The race for the Indian Premier League, (IPL) 2024, playoffs qualification has intensified with the marquee T20 tournament heading towards its business end. With just seven games remaining in the league stage of IPL 2024, the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) became the first team to qualify for the playoffs this season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have already been eliminated from the playoffs race after their dismal campaigns in the ongoing edition.
Meanwhile, five other teams are still in contention to secure the remaining three spots for the IPL 2024 playoffs.
On that note, we take a look at the scenarios with which all the teams remaining for IPL 2024 playoffs contention can still qualify.
Rajasthan Royals
Despite losing their last three matches, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are the overwhelming favourites for a top-two finish in the IPL 2024 league stage. With 16 points from 12 games, the Royals are placed second in the standings with a net run-rate of +0.349. The Sanju Samson-led Royals are still scheduled to face Punjab Kings (May 15) and Kolkata Knight Riders (May 19). They need to win at least one of their remaining games to qualify for playoffs. If the Royals win both matches, they will finish in the top two. However, if RR suffer defeat in both games, they are still expected to qualify due to a better NRR.
Played: 12, Points: 16, NRR: +0.349
Remaining matches: PBKS (H), KKR (H)
Chennai Super Kings
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are placed third in the IPL 2024 standings. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK have registered seven wins and six losses this season with 14 points on the board. The five-time IPL champions will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their final game. To qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs, CSK only need to beat RCB at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 18. With a net run-rate of +0.528, CSK will finish in the top four with a win on Saturday. However, if they lose, CSK need to ensure that they don’t go down by more than 18 runs or allow RCB to chase in 18.1 overs. CSK also need to hope SRH and LSH lose both their scheduled games. In that case, both CSK and RCB can still qualify with 14 points each.
Played: 13, Points: 14, NRR: +0.528
Remaining matches: RCB (A)
SunRisers Hyderabad
SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) are one of the other contenders for a top-two finish this season. With 14 points from 12 games, SRH are placed fourth in the IPL 2024 standings with a net run-rate of +0.406. The Pat Cummins-led outfit is scheduled to play Gujarat Titans (May 16) and Punjab Kings (May 19) in their remaining two fixtures at their home in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, SRH need to win at least one of their pending games to book their spot in the playoffs. If they win both their matches, they could challenge KKR and RR to finish in the top two. However, if they lose both games, the likes of CSK, RCB or even LSG could finish above them.
Played: 12, Points: 14, NRR: +0.406
Remaining matches: GT (H), PBKS (H)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made a sensational comeback in IPL 2024 to remain in playoffs contention. After winning just one of their seven games in the first half, RCB are on a five-match winning streak to jump to fifth in the standings with 12 points from 13 games. In order to qualify for the playoffs, RCB first need to win against CSK by 18 runs or chase in 18.1 overs on Saturday to ensure a better NRR than the defending champions. Even after a win, RCB will be dependent on other results to squeeze into the playoffs. Faf du Plessis’ men need SRH to lose both their games. They also require LSG to go down in one of their remaining matches.
Played: 13, Points: 12, NRR: +0.387
Remaining matches: CSK (H)
Delhi Capitals
While Delhi Capitals still have a mathematical chance to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs, it’s highly unlikely that Rishabh Pant’s men will finish in the top four. With a net run-rate of -0.482, which is currently below CSK, SRH and RCB, the Capitals’ IPL 2024 campaign is almost done and dusted. For DC’s miraculous entry in the IPL 2024 playoffs, they first need to beat LSG by a huge margin to improve their net run-rate. The Capitals also need SRH to lose both their forthcoming games by massive margins. DC will also require CSK to beat RCB and LSG to go down against MI.
Played: 13, Points: 12, NRR: -0.482
Remaining matches: LSG (H)
Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are one of the other contenders to finish in the top four. Having accumulated 12 points from 12 matches, the KL Rahul-led side is placed seventh in the IPL 2024 standings. However, LSG are scheduled to play struggling Delhi Capitals (May 14) and Mumbai Indians (May 17) in their final two league games. For their qualification in the playoffs, LSG need to win both their upcoming matches due to their poor net run-rate of -0.769. Additionally, they need to win both games with huge margins to improve their NRR. Even if they manage to win both matches, they can still finish outside the top four if CSK and SRH end the league stage with 16 points as they have a better NRR.
Played: 12, Points: 12, NRR: -0.769
Remaining matches: DC (A), MI (A)
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