The IPL 2025 playoffs present some intriguing storylines. In the eliminator, two former champions will face off. Meanwhile, two teams that have yet to secure the prestigious trophy will compete in the crucial Qualifier 1 match. New Champions? The playoffs format was first introduced in IPL 2011, primarily to reward teams that finish in the top two positions. In IPL 2009, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings secured the first and second spots, respectively. However, both teams were defeated in the semi-finals by the fourth-placed Deccan Chargers and the third-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Under the playoffs format, the team that loses the match between the first and second-placed teams is granted a second chance to compete for the final. Conversely, the winner of the match between the third and fourth-placed teams must overcome an additional challenge in Qualifier 2 to reach the final. The format has effectively fulfilled its intended purpose over the past 14 years. Teams that finished in the top two positions have won 13 out of the 14 seasons, with only one team managing to defy this trend. Sunrisers Hyderabad claimed victory in IPL 2016 after finishing third in the league stage. The winner of the match between Punjab Kings (1st) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2nd) will advance directly to the final, while the losing team will receive a second chance to reach the final. Will we see a new champion emerge? Centuries in playoffs Throughout the history of the Indian Premier League, there have been 110 centuries, with 7 of those occurring during the playoffs. RCB captain Rajat Patidar and GT captain Shubman Gill have both scored centuries in the playoffs. However, Jos Butler will not participate in the playoffs for Gujarat Titans. Notably, the Qualifier 1 match has yet to see a century scored, which is somewhat surprising considering it is the only non-knockout match in the playoffs. Achieving a century in a low-stakes game is generally easier than doing so in the grand finale. Former CSK and Australia star Shane Watson remains the only batsman to have scored a century in a winning effort during an IPL final.
Most runs in playoffs, players involved in IPL 2025 playoffs
Shubman Gill (GT) – 474 runs from 10 matches (Average: 52.7)
Virat Kohli (RCB) – 341 runs from 15 matches (Average: 26.2)
Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – 329 runs from 11 matches (Average: 36.6)
Rohit Sharma (MI) – 316 runs from 21 matches (Average: 15.8)
Hardik Pandya (MI) – 225 runs from 14 matches (Average: 28.1)
