Mumbai Indians (MI) did the unthinkable. During the initial phase of the IPL 2025, the five-time IPL champion franchise was struggling hard with their performance, and now they are in the playoffs and hope to find a place in the top 2. It is now very much possible as Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru both lost in their previous games. Mumbai Indians has a game left with Punjab Kings, and Punjab Kings has two more matches to play, including one against MI. As per the current scenario, the scheduled match on May 26 between PBKS and MI can be crucial to deciding the top 2 sides after the league phase. 

How can Mumbai Indians confirm a spot in the top 2?

MI must win their remaining match against Punjab Kings to keep their top 2 hopes alive and needs to keep an eye on the other match results. Gujarat Titans, currently with 18 points, can reach a maximum of 20 points; PBKS can get a maximum of 21; Bengaluru can achieve 19; and 18 for Mumbai. If Mumbai gets 2 more points and reaches 18 by defeating the Shreyas Iyer-led side and the other top 3 teams in the ladder lose points, then Hardik Pandya and Co. can easily get to the top 2. But they have to defeat Punjab Kings on May 26. 

Why are teams looking for a place in the top 2? 

According to the format, Number 1 and Number 2 position teams will be faced with each other on Qualifier 1 on May 29, and the winner of that match will confirm a ticket to the final match. Teams at Number 3 and Number 4 will play together (Eliminator), and the winner will face the losing team of Qualifier 1 in the Qualifier 2 match. The winning side from the Q2 match will be the second team to book a ticket to the final. So, the teams at number 1 and number 2 get an extra opportunity to go into the final fixture. 

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Teams with their current points:

Gujarat Titans: 18 points 

Punjab Kings: 17 points 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 17 points 

Mumbai Indians: 16 points 

Top 4 teams and remaining matches 

• Gujarat Titans' (GT) remaining group matches:

GT vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), May 25

• Punjab Kings (PBKS) remaining group matches:

PBKS vs Delhi Capitals (DC), May 24

PBKS vs. Mumbai Indians (MI), May 26

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remaining group matches:

RCB vs. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), May 27

• Mumbai Indians' (MI) remaining group matches:

MI vs PBKS, May 26