Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has added that the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) defeat in their IPL 2025 clash against the Delhi Capitals (DC) has further complicated the race for the two spots in Qualifier 1 as well. He also added that the Gujarat Titans (GT) are the only team that can finish in the top two, even if they lose their last game as well.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’, he said, “All four teams can now qualify as No. 1 and No. 2. Gujarat Titans, win your match against Chennai, and you are through. However, even if you lose, you are not out of the top two race. If Punjab beat Mumbai, you will wait for Bengaluru to lose their last match, and then Gujarat can still qualify as No. 2.”
“However, if Mumbai win that game, then also you will want RCB to lose their last match because if Mumbai and Gujarat get stuck on 18 points, Mumbai’s net run rate is better,” he again added. “Punjab’s simple story is that they have to win their last match to reach 19 points. However, if they reach 19 points, and Gujarat reach 20 points, they will definitely want Bengaluru to drop their last match. They won’t have any tension if Gujarat lose their last match. Win your match and enjoy.”
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However, Aakash Chopra also stated that RCB have to win their final league game and they need either GT or PBKS to lose their last match to qualify for the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 as well.
“If Gujarat reach 20 points, RCB will definitely want Punjab to lose their match, and them to win their last match. They will have to win their last match and reach 19 points. However, if Gujarat lose, whichever team wins won’t make a difference to them because they will be through as No. 1 or No. 2 if they win their match,” Chopra said.
“If Gujarat win their match, Mumbai will have to win their game and will need Bengaluru to lose their last match. If Gujarat lose, they need to win their match, and then they are not bothered, as their net run rate will be better than Gujarat’s. Then whether Bengaluru win or lose their match, they really don’t care,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
