Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is now just two games away from getting over with only three out of the 10 teams remaining in fray. Mumbai Indians (MI) beat Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Eliminator on Friday to set up a clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Qualifier 2, the winner of whom will go to the final to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
After MI beat GT in the Eliminator, the equation now is simple. It will either be PBKS or MI who will face RCB in the final of IPL 2025. Both the match-ups have their own uniqueness.
IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 and Final Storylines
If PBKS beat MI in Qualifier 2, then we will be assured a first-time champion to the IPL. It will also mean that only two franchises who have been playing the league since its inception will be left without the trophy as one of RCB or PBKS will break their 18-year curse.
If MI beat PBKS in Qualifier 2, then also a mouth-watering clash will be set up. MI and RCB will be out in the final with both sides having a point to prove. RCB will be looking for their first trophy in 18 years of IPL while MI will be looking for their sixth. If MI win, it will make them the most successful franchise in the league's history as they will break their tie with Chennai Super Kings where both teams currently have five titles each.
The key players in these teams too have a lot to play for.
Virat Kohli has all the batting records in the world and all the major ICC trophies in his cabinet, but there is still a glaring miss: the IPL trophy. He would want to give himself and the enormous fanbase of his the trophy for all the love that they have showered on him and RCB over the years.
Then there is Hardik Pandya. He won the IPL in 2022 with GT. Almost won it again the next year before losing a last-ball thriller to CSK. Then moved back to MI and finished last in 2024. He has bounced back brilliantly and once again proved that he has the raw materials to be a good captain. A trophy would be a big statement and would also make him the only IPL captain with titles with two teams.
Last but not the least is Shreyas Iyer. He led Delhi Capitals to historic highs but was released. Then went to Kolkata Knight Riders and led them the title but was again released and finally he is at PBKS where he has led the team to the top of the table. They looked the strongest side of the season before totally crumbling against RCB under the weight of their first play-off game in 11 years. But Iyer would be itching to bounce back and not just win the Qualifier 2 but the title. Trophy will definitely push his case as an IPL captaincy great and also a big contender for the next white ball captain of India.
