IPL 2025: With 6 Wins in 8 Games, Gujarat Titans lead the race — Who else is in Playoff contention?
We have reached the halfway mark of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, and what a ride it’s been! From last-ball thrillers to super overs, this season has delivered edge-of-the-seat excitement. We have witnessed the rise of young talent like 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi and the enduring brilliance of the 43-year-old MS Dhoni. The tournament has been a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and veteran grit.
As we head into the second half, the drama is only set to escalate. So far, Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have emerged as strong playoff contenders, setting the stage for a riveting finish.
Here’s a look at their journey so far.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans, champions in their debut IPL season in 2022, are once again making a strong statement in 2025. Currently leading the points table after eight matches, the Shubman Gill-led team have been one of the most consistent teams this season and look poised for another playoff run.
Their top order—Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—has been instrumental to their success. The trio has consistently anchored the innings, with at least one of them guiding the team to the finish line in most matches. Sai Sudharsan has been the standout, scoring 417 runs at an average of 52.12 and a strike rate of 152.18. Jos Buttler has kept pace with 356 runs at a staggering average of 71.20 and a strike rate of 165.58, while Shubman Gill is also not very far and has added 305 runs.
Sherfane Rutherford has chipped in with timely cameos down the order. In the bowling department, Prasidh Krishna has been exceptional, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 14.12 and an economy of 7.29—earning him the Purple Cap. Spinner Sai Kishore and pacer Mohammad Siraj have also delivered, taking 12 wickets apiece.
Read More: IPL 2025, KKR vs GT Highlights: Gill, Sai fifties and bowlers keep Gujarat on top; KKR’s woes deepen
The journey so far for GT:
| Opponent | Result |
| PBKS | PBKS won by 11 runs |
| MI | GT won by 36 runs |
| RCB | GT won by 8 wickets |
| SRH | GT won by 7 wickets |
| RR | GG won by 58 runs |
| LSG | LSG won by 6 wickets |
| DC | GT won by 7 wickets |
| KKR | GT won by 39 runs |
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals have kicked off IPL 2025 on a high, sitting second on the points table with five wins from their first seven matches—one of their strongest starts in the league’s history. Under new leadership and a refreshed strategy, the team has evolved into serious title contenders.
KL Rahul has been a standout, anchoring the middle order with 266 runs at an average of 53.20 and a blistering strike rate of 158.33. His unbeaten 93 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains a season highlight. Tristan Stubbs has also impressed, smashing 183 runs at a strike rate of 160.53, adding much-needed firepower.
On the bowling front, Mitchell Starc has delivered when it counts, especially with his clutch performance in the super over against Rajasthan Royals. Kuldeep Yadav has been in top form, leading the wickets tally for Delhi with 12, boasting an average of 14.58 and an economy of 6.25.
With seven league games left, the Capitals need just three more wins to edge close to playoff qualification. But the real question looms—can this reinvigorated side finally go all the way and lift their maiden IPL trophy? The road ahead will test whether Delhi can turn promise into history.
Read More: Delhi Capitals the team to beat in IPL 2025; What sets them apart?
The journey so far for DC:
| Opponent | Result |
| LSG | DC won by 1 wicket |
| SRH | DC won by 7 wickets |
| CSK | DC won by 25 runs |
| RCB | DC won by 6 wickets |
| MI | MI won by 12 runs |
| RR | DC won the Super Over |
| GT | GT won by 7 wickets |
Punjab Kings
The Punjab Kings, long plagued by inconsistency and missed chances, are showing real promise in IPL 2025. With five wins from their first eight matches, they sit in the top four and are playing with intent, clarity, and renewed hunger. Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer and the mentorship of Ricky Ponting, PBKS look like a team finally coming together.
Iyer has led from the front, scoring 257 runs at an average of 51.40 and an explosive strike rate of 194.70. But it’s the rise of their domestic stars that has truly defined their season. Priyansh Arya has been a revelation, hammering 232 runs at a strike rate of 200, including a blistering century. Nehal Wadhera has provided vital middle-order contributions with 184 runs striking at nearly 150.
Their bowling unit has also stepped up. Arshdeep Singh leads with 10 wickets, while Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen have eight apiece. Their gritty win defending just 119 against KKR highlights a newfound belief in tough situations.
With six games to go, Punjab need just three more wins to eye a playoff berth. But this time, the goal is bigger—they’re not just aiming to qualify, they’re dreaming of lifting their maiden IPL trophy.
Read More: IPL 2025, RCB vs PBKS Highlights: David’s fifty goes in vain as Punjab cruise to victory in a rain-hit match
The journey so far for PBKS:
| Opponent | Result |
| GT | PBKS won by 11 runs |
| LSG | PBKS won by 8 wickets |
| RR | RR won by 50 runs |
| CSK | PBKS won by 18 runs |
| SRH | SRH won by 8 wickets |
| KKR | PBKS won by 16 runs |
| RCB | PBKS won by 5 wickets |
| RCB | RCB won by 7 wickets |
Lucknow Super Giants
After eight games, Lucknow Super Giants find themselves in a good spot—fifth on the points table with five wins and very much in the playoff hunt. Standout performances and a few areas of concern have marked their campaign.
Nicholas Pooran has been the standout performer, repaying the franchise’s 21 crore INR investment with 357 runs at an average of 59.50 and an astonishing strike rate of 208.77. He’s been the anchor of LSG’s batting unit. Supporting him strongly is Mitchell Marsh, who has scored 295 runs at an average of 49.16 and a strike rate of 171.51. Marsh has already hit four fifties this season—more than his career tally before 2025.
Among the bowlers, uncapped Digvesh Rathi has impressed with 9 wickets at an average of 23.11 and an economy of 7.42. Shardul Thakur has taken 11 wickets and currently ranks third in the Purple Cap race, though his economy of 10.96 has been on the higher side.
However, their most expensive signing, Rishabh Pant (27 crore INR), has underwhelmed so far with only 103 runs. Despite a fifty against CSK, his form and rhythm remain concerns as the tournament progresses.
The journey so far for LSG:
| Opponent | Result |
| DC | DC won by 1 wicket |
| SRH | LSG won by 5 wickets |
| PBKS | PBKS won by 8 wickets |
| MI | LSG won by 12 runs |
| KKR | LSG won by 4 runs |
| GT | LSG won by 6 wickets |
| CSK | CSK won by 5 wickets |
| RR | LSG won by 2 runs |
With DC, GT, PBKS, and LSG leading the playoff race, the remaining six teams—RCB, KKR, MI, RR, SRH, and CSK—still have a shot at qualification. No team is out of contention yet, keeping the tournament wide open and adding to the excitement as the competition heats up.
Read More: IPL 2025, RR vs LSG, Highlights: Rajasthan choke in pursuit of 181; Lucknow move into top 4
