IPL 2025: Varun Aaron opines on Punjab’s home advantage, Abhinav Mukund predicts GT to finish in top-two

The venues for the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) playoffs have been decided. The Qualifier and Eliminator will be played in Chandigarh, while the second Qualifier and Final will be held in Ahmedabad. The JioStar experts have also shared their opinions on which teams are favourites to win the tournament this season.

Former India pacer Varun Aaron has welcomed the decision to host the first Qualifier at the new PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, also the home ground of Punjab Kings (PBKS), who have secured qualification for the playoffs. The 2022 IPL winner not only noted that this will be the first time the playoffs are being held at the Punjab Kings' base, but also said that having the crowd behind them in a high-pressure game will benefit them. Aaron has also backed the Shreyas Iyer-led side to reach the final this year.

“They’re going to play in front of their home fans, and that’s exactly what you want in a high-pressure game. The crowd is going to be completely behind them. That’s what will happen at Mullanpur. The Punjab crowd has never seen their team play an Eliminator or a Qualifier at home. So it's going to be a big game, and I think they are going to make it to the finals,” Aaron said while speaking exclusively on JioStar.

GT will finish in top two: Mukund

Former India Test batter Abhinav Mukund also shared his thoughts on the playoffs and backed the Gujarat Titans to win their second title this year. The 35-year-old former opener said that the Titans are most likely to finish in the top two, considering their current form. Mukund also spoke about the qualification chances of the other teams still in contention.

“GT wins everywhere, so it doesn’t matter. But they really need to finish in the top two. The way their season has gone, I think GT are a sure-shot for the top two. Considering they’re playing CSK in their final game, you'd think the Gujarat Titans will end up with at least 20 points, meaning they’ll definitely finish in the top two, unless Punjab Kings have something to say about their qualification chances,” Mukund speaking exclusively on JioStar.

“It’s a tough game for Punjab; they’ll be facing Delhi Capitals. MI also play Punjab and Delhi, so Gujarat should fancy themselves for a top-two finish. Good for RCB that their game is moved to Lucknow, if it was a one-pointer, there’d be drama again. But now, their destiny is in their own hands in qualifying for that top two,” the former Tamil Nadu batter concluded.