365telugu.com online news,New Delhi, December 8th, 2025: The inaugural Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) playoffs delivered dramatic upsets, culminating in the Hyderabad Royals securing the first spot in the Grand Finale after a stunning 4-2 comeback victory over table-toppers Chennai Super Warriors in Qualifier 1. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Smashers continued their late-season surge, defeating the Lucknow Leopards in the Eliminator to advance to Qualifier 2.
The IPBL, sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and launched by The Times Group, saw intense knockout action following a three-way tie for the fourth playoff spot.
Hyderabad’s Mega Comeback
In the high-stakes Qualifier 1, Chennai Super Warriors took an immediate 2-0 lead, courtesy of Mitch Hargreaves’ men’s singles win (15–11) and a subsequent victory in the men’s doubles with Harsh Mehta (15–11).
However, the tide turned in the women’s singles as Megan Fudge handed the previously unbeaten Roos van Reek her first singles loss of the league, closing out a tight 15–13 upset. Fudge and Shreya Chakraborty then leveled the tie by narrowly winning the women’s doubles 15–13.
The decisive Grand Rally saw Hyderabad overturn a brief deficit to win 21-17, sealing their spot in the Grand Finale. Fudge and Newell were named Players of the Tie, sending Chennai to Qualifier 2.
Mumbai Smashes Past Lucknow
The Eliminator match saw Mumbai Smashers clash with Lucknow Leopards for the right to proceed. Mumbai’s Quang Duong (DUPR World No. 3) dominated Ryler DeHeart 15–8 in the men’s singles and then teamed up with Ammol Ramchandani to edge a tense men’s doubles golden-point thriller 15–14, giving Mumbai a 2–0 lead.
Lucknow fought back, with Mihika Yadav winning the women’s singles 15–10, followed by Bates and Naomi Amalsadiwala leveling the tie in the women’s doubles 15–11. The match came down to the deciding Grand Rally, where Mumbai held their nerve for a 21-18 victory. Duong and Yadav claimed the Players of the Tie honors.
Mumbai will now face the Chennai Super Warriors in Qualifier 2, with the winner advancing to the Grand Finale to meet the Hyderabad Royals.
IPBL Standings and Broadcast Details
The inaugural IPBL, debuting at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, is on air daily from December 1–7, 2025.
| Team | Status | Tie Points |
| Hyderabad Royals | Finalist | 18 |
| Chennai Super Warriors | Qualifier 2 | 20 |
| Mumbai Smashers | Qualifier 2 | 12 |
| Lucknow Leopards | Eliminated | 16 |
| Bengaluru Blasters | Eliminated | 12 |
Live Coverage: Fans can catch the action on ZOOM TV and Mirror NOW from 2:30 PM daily. A two-hour highlights package airs on DD Sports from 10 PM to 12 AM. Live streaming is available on the YouTube channels of Pickleball Now and Sports Now, as well as on Times Play, Tata Play, and Vi Movie & TV.