With the IPL 2025 entering its final week -- all eyes are on the playoff dynamics. And Gujarat Titans are at the center of it.
Having already sealed qualification, their top-two finish is not yet guaranteed. The loss to Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday tightened things up.
It left GT in a vulnerable yet still promising position. Shubman Gill’s side remains on top of the table with 18 points.
But a 33-run defeat to LSG - GT’s fourth loss of the season - means they now head into their final league game with a bit more pressure than they would have liked.
Why does it matter? Because finishing in the top two offers a crucial advantage: two shots at reaching the final, compared to just one for the third and fourth-placed teams.
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So the question now is - can GT still slip out of the top two?
What does Gujarat Titans need to do to stay in the top two?
The equation is straightforward for Gujarat Titans. Win their final game, and they are in the driver’s seat.
GT will host Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. A win would take them to 20 points - which is usually enough for a top-two spot.
But there is a twist: both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are just one point behind, with 17 each and two games left to play.
If either RCB or PBKS win both their remaining matches, they will leap to 21 points. If both do it, GT could find themselves finishing third - even with 20 points.
Which teams can spoil Gujarat Titans’ party?
RCB will face Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants - two teams already knocked out but still dangerous. PBKS will take on Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. MI are also in the contention for the top 2 finish and could knock PBKS down with a win.
In short, GT still hold control. Beat CSK and they are very likely through to the top two. But to fully seal the deal, they will also be hoping for at least one slip-up from RCB or PBKS.