Will Gujarat Titans Be the First to Achieve a Top-Two Position in IPL 2025?

Synopsis
As IPL 2025 heats up, Sanjay Manjrekar forecasts that Gujarat Titans may clinch a coveted top-two position. With their impressive form and emerging young players, the Titans are on the brink of playoff success. Will they maintain their lead against fierce competitors? Find out more about the thrilling chase for IPL glory.
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat Titans lead the IPL 2025 standings with 18 points.
- Only one match remains for the Titans against Chennai Super Kings.
- Sanjay Manjrekar predicts Titans may secure a top-two finish.
- Emerging young players like Sameer Rizvi are making a significant impact.
- This season highlights the shift towards youth in Indian cricket.
New Delhi, May 25 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed confidence that the leading team, Gujarat Titans, is likely to secure a top-two position in the IPL 2025 standings.
Presently, the Gujarat Titans hold the top position with 18 points from 13 matches, while Punjab Kings (17 points), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (17 points), and Mumbai Indians (16 points) occupy the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively. All four teams have already clinched playoff berths and are vying for the top-two positions.
With just one match left against Chennai Super Kings, the Titans must secure a victory to confirm their spot at the top.
"I believe the Gujarat Titans might be the first to clinch a top-two position. They've only lost one game, which may serve as a catalyst for them to return stronger in their next match," Manjrekar stated during a segment on JioHotstar.
Both RCB and PBKS faced defeats in their penultimate matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals, respectively, jeopardizing their chances for a top-two finish.
Manjrekar praised Sameer Rizvi for his composed performance under pressure during the match for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings.
“He’s maturing, along with many young Indian players this season. This IPL has been dominated by emerging talents rather than established stars. Rizvi’s innings showcased his ability to tackle spin and score against quality bowlers like Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh. It was a genuine chase without any advantage from dew, which sometimes gives a false sense of security. Without Rizvi, I doubt Delhi Capitals would have achieved victory,” he remarked.
Manjrekar noted how IPL 2025 has been characterized by Gen Bold players and commended youngsters like Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi for their outstanding performances this season.
"The main takeaway for me this IPL has been the rise of lesser-known players making significant impacts — including Sameer Rizvi, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir, Priyansh Arya, and Prabhsimran Singh. There's even a 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the mix. This season has belonged more to them than the big names. Those iconic players are fading, while these young talents are stepping into the limelight — that’s been the narrative thus far.