The IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) playoff race has finally ended, but the top four teams will continue to compete for the top two slots in the competition, giving them an advantage going into those key games. Former India opener Aakash Chopra discussed how each team’s positions can change as the competition develops.

The 47-year-old pundit discussed some of the league’s key matchups. According to Chopra, the games between MI and PBKS, as well as RCB and SRH, might determine the tournament’s top two finishers. Chopra also believes Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be the party spoilers in the league’s last phase of matches, citing the quantity of match-winners in their roster.

“Things are about to change. RCB vs. PBKS – I believe one of them loses a game. MI vs. PBKS is also important. Do not rule out SRH; they defeated LSG and have game changers. One big inning, like Marsh’s today, has the potential to change everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if the top four looked absolutely different,” Chopra said exclusively on JioHotstar.

Don’t underestimate SRH: Aakash Chopra

Furthermore, Aakash Chopra confirmed his claim by mentioning the forthcoming game between RCB and SRH, which would take place on May 23 at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium. Although Chopra claimed it would not be a high-scoring game, he emphasised the difference in pitch size from the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where the game was originally scheduled before being moved due to poor weather.

“Do not expect a high-scoring game; Ekana will not allow it. It’s a large field, not Chinnaswamy. But it will still be a good competition. Do not rule out SRH. That being said, the odds are stacked in favour of the side Virat Kohli plays for,” Chopra said.