Gujarat Titans on Sunday became the first team to officially qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Playoffs, following a dominant 10-wicket win over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The comprehensive win not only solidified Gujarat’s position at the top of the table but also confirmed playoff berths for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. With this win, Gujarat Titans climbed to the summit of the IPL 2025 standings with 18 points from 12 matches. Their superior net run rate and consistency throughout the season have made them the early pacesetters heading into the final phase of the tournament. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have displayed tremendous form this season, trail just behind with 17 points in as many outings. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, riding high after a narrow but crucial 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals earlier in the day, also joined the playoff roster with 17 points from 12 games. The playoff qualification scenario, which had been tightly contested for several weeks, finally saw some clarity with Gujarat’s emphatic win over Delhi. The Titans’ top-order firepower, coupled with disciplined bowling, proved too strong for the Capitals, who failed to mount a competitive total or halt the chase. Delhi Capitals, despite the setback, are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, though their margin for error has now reduced significantly. Joining them in the race are Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both of whom need strong finishes to break into the top four. Each of these sides must now rely not just on their own performances but also on the outcomes of other fixtures and net run rate dynamics. On the flip side, four former champions, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders, have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. These sides have either struggled for form, consistency, or failed to capitalize on critical moments, resulting in their early exit from the tournament. As the league stage approaches its final leg, the competition for the remaining playoff spot is expected to intensify. With only a handful of matches left, every over, run, and wicket could shape the final standings. For Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and securing a favorable position for the knockouts.
18 May,2025 11:18 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe much-anticipated IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders was cut short by relentless rain in Bengaluru on Saturday, forcing both teams to share a solitary point each. This washout marked the resumption of the tournament after a week-long break but ultimately proved bittersweet for the fans and teams alike. The defending champions KKR’s campaign came to an unfortunate end, finishing with just 12 points from 13 matches, thereby confirming their exit from the playoffs contention. On the other hand, RCB, having enjoyed a stellar season so far, moved to the summit of the points table with 17 points following the shared point, reinforcing their position as strong contenders for the playoffs. Yet, despite this advantage, a win to seal qualification continues to elude the three-time finalists. The increasingly competitive nature of this season means that even 17 points might not guarantee a spot in the knockout phase, underscoring the fine margins that define this IPL edition. Fans present at the stadium, many donning white jerseys to honour Virat Kohli’s illustrious Test career, were undoubtedly disappointed by the absence of any play. However, the loyal RCB supporters will undoubtedly welcome the single point, recognising that six teams remain mathematically in contention and that the washout marginally improves the Men in Red’s playoff prospects. The playoff scenario tightened further following Punjab Kings’ hard-fought 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. PBKS now sit just below RCB on the points table, also with 17 points, intensifying the competition. Should RCB lose both their remaining fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, their fate will hinge on Punjab Kings losing their last two matches against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. Additionally, Delhi would need to secure victories in at least two of their remaining three games to influence the outcome. This set of results could culminate in a three-way tie at 17 points among RCB, PBKS, and DC, with MI and Gujarat Titans holding superior net run rates and effectively ahead of all three. Consequently, even with 17 points, RCB risks elimination if they suffer heavy defeats to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, as net run rate could prove the decisive factor. RCB now find themselves reliant on either Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals slipping up to guarantee their playoff berth. Punjab’s recent win over Rajasthan Royals has made RCB’s path more arduous. Had Punjab lost and Gujarat Titans triumphed over Delhi Capitals, both RCB and Gujarat Titans could have sealed playoff qualification. However, with PBKS maintaining momentum and Gujarat Titans still in contention, the playoff picture remains fiercely competitive. If both Punjab and Delhi emerge victorious in their upcoming matches, none of the teams vying for a spot can claim qualification outright just yet.
18 May,2025 08:17 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentNehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh delivered commanding half-centuries, while left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar claimed three crucial wickets as Punjab Kings secured a thrilling 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, significantly boosting their IPL 2025 playoff ambitions. Punjab Kings posted a competitive total of 219 for 5, anchored by Wadhera’s explosive 70 runs off just 37 balls, marked by aggressive stroke play and strategic boundary hitting. Singh remained unbeaten with a resilient 59, while captain Shreyas Iyer provided valuable support, contributing a composed 30 runs. Their combined efforts laid a strong platform for PBKS to challenge the formidable Royals batting lineup. Rajasthan Royals got off to a blistering start, thanks to their openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who amassed 76 runs in the first 4.5 overs. Jaiswal’s fluent 50 and Suryavanshi’s quickfire 40 set a brisk tempo that put pressure on the visiting bowlers. However, the momentum shifted when Brar struck in the fifth over, dismissing Suryavanshi and triggering a collapse. Following that breakthrough, Rajasthan’s batting order faltered under sustained pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals. Despite the valiant efforts of Dhruv Jurel, who scored a spirited 53 off 31 deliveries to keep his team in the hunt, Rajasthan Royals ultimately fell short, finishing at 209 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Brar’s economical and incisive spell, yielding 3 wickets for 22 runs, proved pivotal in stifling the Royals’ chase. Additionally, PBKS pacer Azmatullah Omarzai played a vital supporting role, claiming the prized scalps of Shimron Hetmyer (11) and captain Sanju Samson (20) for figures of 2 for 44, thereby dismantling the middle order at a crucial juncture. With this win, Punjab Kings accumulated 17 points, equaling the tally of IPL leaders Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, PBKS remain second on the points table, narrowly trailing due to an inferior net run rate. The win bolsters their playoff credentials and intensifies the race for the coveted spots in the knockout stages. Brief Scores: Punjab Kings: 219 for 5 in 20 overs (Nehal Wadhera 70, Shreyas Iyer 30, Shashank Singh 59*; Tushar Deshpande 2/37) Rajasthan Royals: 209 for 7 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 50, Vaibhav Suryavanshi 40, Dhruv Jurel 53; Harpreet Brar 3/22, Azmatullah Omarzai 2/44)
18 May,2025 07:34 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentRohit Sharma’s elevation to the role of opener in the Indian team was far from a coincidence. In a rather unconventional twist, it was about him feeling ‘bored’ while batting in the middle order during 2019 that prompted then-head coach Ravi Shastri to make a decisive change. Recognising the untapped potential, Shastri entrusted Rohit with the responsibility of opening the innings, that ultimately gave rise to his iconic ‘Hitman’ persona. "Batting at four, five, this guy used to get bored. Then I started dwelling on the fact, why is he so successful in one-day cricket? He likes to be out there early," Shastri said in the ICC Review. "I said, if he can go out there and do it, he has got enough time on his hands to play the quicks. He's got the shots against the quicks, to take them on. The field is up, so Test cricket might be a honeymoon for him if he starts embracing it," added Shastri. Under Shastri’s stewardship from 2017 to 2021, Rohit evolved into one of the most formidable Test openers India has produced in recent times. His transition was marked by a remarkable blend of patience, technique, and explosiveness, allowing him to thrive in challenging conditions and assert dominance over world-class bowling attacks. Rohit recently called time on his Test career after an illustrious career spanning 67 games, which saw him score 4,301 runs including 12 centuries and 18 half-tons. Shastri said he thought about utilising Rohit as a Test opener during the World Cup in 2019 when he smashed five centuries and finished the tournament as the leading run-getter with 648 runs at an average of 81. The former all-rounder said that he discussed the idea of pushing Rohit as an opener with then captain Virat Kohli. Rohit was an instant success, hitting twin centuries in his first Test at the top of the order against South Africa. "He'd batted enough at five and six and he wasn't here and he wasn't there," said Shastri about Rohit, who hit nine of his 12 centuries from that point onwards. "He would get his 20s or 30s and throw it away. (I thought) let's put him under pressure and send him up (the order). And I remember telling him in the West Indies 'we want you to open'. "This (decision) was (August) 2019, if I'm not mistaken, after that World Cup. He'd had a great World Cup, so his form was very good. And he might have thought of it for a little while, but he was OK. "Then he came in for the first Test match and he opened the innings and he got a hundred. If I'm not mistaken, he got a big 100 in that first innings and then he didn't look back because then he seemed to enjoy it," added Shastri. (With inputs from PTI)
18 May,2025 06:13 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondentA pair of gritty and fluent half-centuries from Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh steered Punjab Kings to a formidable total of 219 for five against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2025 clash on Sunday. The duo’s counterattacking partnership lifted PBKS from a precarious position and ensured the team stayed firmly in the hunt for a playoff berth. With 15 points already on the board, Punjab entered the match with momentum, but their innings got off to a stuttering start after being asked to bat first. By the fourth over, they found themselves reeling at 34 for three, courtesy of an incisive opening spell from Rajasthan pacer Tushar Deshpande. The right-arm seamer struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Priyansh Arya for nine and the in-form Prabhsimran Singh for a brisk 21, putting the Kings under early pressure. However, Wadhera rose to the occasion with a commanding display of strokeplay. The left-hander played with a mix of composure and aggression, crafting a superb 70 off just 37 deliveries. His knock, laced with five boundaries and five towering sixes, injected life back into the innings. Wadhera first stitched together a 67-run stand with skipper Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a steady 30, providing the much-needed stability in the middle overs. After Iyer’s departure, Wadhera continued to dominate alongside Shashank Singh, adding 58 crucial runs for the fifth wicket. Shashank carried the momentum forward after Wadhera’s dismissal, playing a blistering unbeaten knock of 59 off just 30 deliveries. His innings featured an array of powerful shots and was instrumental in pushing Punjab past the 200-run mark. The well-paced recovery ensured that the early wickets did not derail PBKS’s plans. Their total of 219 gave the bowlers a solid platform to defend, especially on a surface that offered little margin for error. On the team front, Rajasthan Royals welcomed the return of captain Sanju Samson, who came back into the XI after a brief injury layoff, replacing Nitish Rana. The Royals also made a strategic change in their bowling department, drafting in young South African left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka in place of the experienced Jofra Archer. As the match progressed, the stage was set for a high-octane run chase, with both teams eyeing valuable points in the race to the playoffs. Brief Scores: Punjab Kings 219/5 in 20 overs (Nehal Wadhera 70, Shashank Singh 59*; Tushar Deshpande 2/37) vs Rajasthan Royals
18 May,2025 05:39 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentFormer Australia captain Aaron Finch did not hold back in his assessment of Kolkata Knight Riders’ faltering campaign, stating unequivocally that the franchise has 'only themselves to blame' after rain extinguished their final hopes of defending their IPL crown on Saturday. Burdened by the legacy of past triumphs and facing a recalibrated team hierarchy, the Knight Riders struggled to find their rhythm throughout the season. Their performances lacked fluency, occasional, patchy wins were overshadowed by extended losing streaks that pushed them into precarious, must-win scenarios late in the tournament. Despite a slew of new inclusions, KKR failed to recapture their championship-winning formula. The team’s lack of consistency and inability to close out critical matches eventually led to their premature exit from the playoff race. With two fixtures remaining, the defending champions were left with the daunting task of overcoming a well-oiled Royal Challengers Bengaluru side that had been operating in near-perfect sync. However, any hopes of a resurgence were thwarted by relentless rainfall that arrived well before the scheduled start and refused to relent, leading to a complete washout of the high-stakes encounter. The shared point sealed KKR’s fate, bringing a bitter and anticlimactic end to their title defence. Finch, in his candid evaluation, pinpointed key tactical missteps that plagued the Knight Riders. He notably criticised the underutilisation of Andre Russell, suggesting that the demotion of the explosive all-rounder limited his ability to alter the course of matches. According to Finch, Russell’s match-winning capabilities were stifled by poor role definition, an error symptomatic of the broader strategic flaws that haunted KKR throughout the season. "It didn't start well for them. Andre Russell, being the match-winner that he is and has been for such a long time, was batting too far down the order for much of the tournament. He simply wasn't given the opportunities to influence games the way he can," Finch said on JioHotstar. The 38-year-old former top-order batter reflected on the manner of KKR's defeat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Kolkata, who had found their groove with two victories on the trot, surrendered to a two-wicket defeat, courtesy of the finishing touches applied by Chennai captain MS Dhoni. For Finch, it echoed one of the several moments where his former side just didn't click. "They've only got themselves to blame. They almost kicked themselves after that last game against CSK - it was theirs to win. The match was almost wrapped up, and they still couldn't cross the line, which turned out to be an incredible win for Chennai. Throughout the season, there were too many moments where KKR just didn't click," he added.
18 May,2025 05:22 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentKolkata Knight Riders have brought in Madhya Pradesh's mystery spinner Shivam Shukla as a replacement for West Indies' Rovman Powell for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Shukla, a leg-spinner, has featured in eight T20 matches and has picked up eight wickets. His inclusion adds a fresh spin option to the KKR setup as the franchise looks to end their campaign on a strong note. KKR's title defence came to a premature end following a washout in Bengaluru, a game that marked the league's return after a 10-day break. The defending champions, who clinched the title in 2024, have only one fixture left this season, a face-off against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Delhi next Sunday. With playoff hopes dashed, the match against SRH will be an opportunity for KKR to test new talent and finish the season with pride. KKR are now placed sixth in the points table with five wins and six defeats, and their two games were washed out; they ended with 13 points. Knight Riders' campaign often appeared imbalanced and strategically misaligned, particularly in their batting line-up. Opening with Sunil Narine, a dynamic yet unconventional choice, followed by the middle-order duo of Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, the team frequently seemed overcrowded yet underpowered. This composition meant that proven finishers like Rinku Singh and Andre Russell were left with limited opportunities to influence games meaningfully. Their explosive potential was often underutilised. This lack of clarity in roles was further compounded by an inconsistent string of results, oscillating between wins and losses, hindering any momentum or rhythm they attempted to build. The absence of back-to-back victories exposed the team's fragility and highlighted the void in leadership and execution under pressure. The side, though rich in individual talent, never quite clicked collectively and ultimately faltered when consistency mattered most. Crucially, KKR were dealt significant blows even before the season gained traction. The absence of their regular captain and pace spearhead Mitchell Starc left a gaping hole in both leadership and bowling firepower. The lack of a solid, dependable opener like Phil Salt meant the top order struggled to set or chase challenging targets. But perhaps the most significant void was the absence of Gautam Gambhir, the tactical mastermind and mentor during their title-winning era. His strategic acumen and ability to foster a fearless culture were sorely missed in moments requiring composure and conviction. Kolkata Knight Riders squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Markande, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia, Spencer Johnson, Quinton de Kock, Venkatesh Iyer, Shivam Shukla, Chetan Sakariya
18 May,2025 04:53 PM IST | Kolkata (West Bengal) [India] | mid-day online correspondentKolkata Knight Riders’ designs of a late dash towards the Playoffs of IPL 2025 were emphatically dashed as the elements had the final say at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, forcing their penultimate league clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru to be abandoned with a ball being bowled. Knight Riders eliminated The defending champions needed to win their last two matches and hope for other results to go their way, but the no-show means they have 12 points from 13 outings and can finish with a maximum of 14 points, which won’t be sufficient for them to make it to the next stage. Boost for Royal Challengers The one point from this washout boosted the home side’s chances, taking them to the top of the table with 17 points from 12 matches. A sizeable crowd, majority of them sporting white jerseys with No. 18 emblazoned at the back as a tribute to Virat Kohli, recently retired from Test cricket, walked away disappointed at not being able to see their hero in action, though they will get another chance on May 23 when RCB host Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final home league encounter. Phase II of the tournament thus got off to an inauspicious start, the abandonment that had loomed all evening once the heavens opened up at 5.50 pm officially formalised at 10:23 pm.
18 May,2025 09:07 AM IST | Bengaluru | R KaushikPunjab Kings will look to renew their bid for a Playoff berth with another commanding performance here on Sunday against Rajasthan Royals, who have failed to rise above mediocrity despite possessing the resources this season. As action returns to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium after a week-long enforced break, Shreyas Iyer’s side will hope to move past the nightmare on May 8, when their match against Delhi Capitals in scenic Dharamsala had to be called off due to India-Pakistan border tensions, forcing the players to return to their dressing rooms in pitch darkness. As PBKS take the field on Sunday, comfortably placed at the third spot on the table with 15 points from 11 games, there would be some scepticism with regard to the changes in the line-up owning to the enforced break. The absence of the tall South African pacer Marco Jansen, who has been called back by Cricket South Africa, would hurt Iyer’s side the most as he had made quite an impact this season, scalping 11 wickets. On the bowling front too, PBKS have the services of frontline pacer Arshdeep Singh and in-form spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has so far taken 14 wickets in 11 games with a best of 4-28 and an economy rate of below 10. The hosts have already been eliminated from the Playoff race and currently languish in ninth place on the points table with just three wins from 12 matches. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 May,2025 09:05 AM IST | Jaipur | PTITop contender for India’s Test captaincy, Shubman Gill, will be the cynosure of all eyes as IPL action returns to the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday evening. The Gill-led Gujarat Titans (16 points from 11 games) take on hosts Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel. Delhi in fifth position GT’s assistant coach-cum-batting coach Parthiv Patel, who came for the match-eve press conference, was all praise for Gill’s leadership ability. “Gill has been fantastic [as GT skipper]. I don’t need to mention anything about it. Going forward, what the talks are, I don’t know, but for GT, he has been a fantastic captain. He has been handling the situation well with the guys,” said Patel. DC are in fifth position after 11 matches with six wins, four losses and one no result against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 5 due to rain. Parthiv Patel. Pic/Satej Shinde Stubbs, Faf return DC will be without Mitchell Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk (replaced by Mustafizur Rahman, who will be available from May 18-24) and Donovan Ferreira. The absence of Starc is a big blow for DC. Starc is DC’s highest wicket-taker so far this season with 14 wickets in 11 matches at 26.14. South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs too has confirmed his return, but Stubbs will be available only for the rest of the league phase, after which, he would be leaving for the World Test Championship final. DC’s leg-spinning all-rounder Vipraj Nigam said, “It will be hard to replace Starc, but hopefully, it won’t impact us too much. Whatever we had planned at the start of the season, we will stick to that.” For DC, among the batsmen, Faf du Plessis returns — he has played six matches so far and scored a total of 168 runs with a highest score of 62. Even though du Plessis has not been at his best, his presence will boost the team’s morale. Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman will fill up for Starc in DC’s remaining three league-phase games, but not the Playoffs, should DC make it to that stage. GT’s dominant top-order Meanwhile, the break would have led GT to do some soul-searching after their last game against Mumbai Indians, where GT’s middle-order saw them through. Till that game, GT’s top-order of Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler had been doing all the scoring. For GT, Buttler (available till the league stage ends and to be replaced by Kusal Mendis in the Playoffs), Kagiso Rabada (available till the league stage ends), Sherfane Rutherford, Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, Gerald Coetzee are available. “We know he [Buttler] won’t be there [for Playoffs]. He has been a great performer. He will be here for three games. After that we will see what we have to do,” said Patel.
18 May,2025 09:02 AM IST | New Delhi | Neeru BhatiaThe IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has been called off due to rain at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This IPL 2025 washout game helped RCB to move up to the points table with 17 points. A win in today's match would have sealed a spot in the playoffs for the Rajat Patidar-led side. A victory in either of the remaining two matches will help RCB seal their place in the playoffs. Also Read: IN PHOTOS | PBKS vs RR, IPL 2025: Players to watch out for in Jaipur clash From KKR's perspective, the slim chances they had for sealing their place in the final have now ended. Now, with just one game left in the group stage for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Kolkata, they can maximum make their tally 14, which will not be enough to make it to the playoffs. With the game against RCB being called off, KKR has now been officially eliminated from the playoffs race. Following the Test retirement of stalwart Virat Kohli, his and RCB fans made an effort to wear white jerseys with the 36-year-old's name on their back. But the effort of the fans went in vain as the rain played spoilsport. RCB will clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their upcoming IPL 2025 match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 23. They will then conclude their group stage matches with a game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground on May 27. On the other hand, KKR will face SRH in their last group stage match, scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 25. On May 18, the IPL 2025 is all set to host two highly anticipated matches. The first match will be played between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium at 3.30 pm. The evening blockbuster match is scheduled between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium at 7.30 pm.
17 May,2025 11:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
