As the league stage of IPL 2024 approaches its conclusion with just eight games remaining, Kolkata Knight Riders stand as the sole team to have secured a playoff berth, leaving three spots still up for grabs. Here’s a breakdown of how the teams in contention are positioned.
Playoff scenario after RCB vs DC
Rajasthan Royals
With three consecutive defeats, RR hasn’t solidified their playoff spot yet. Four other teams remain in contention to reach 16 points or more. However, one of these teams is LSG, with a concerning NRR of -0.769. LSG has not performed up to expectations this season.
A victory for RR would firmly secure their position, leaving no room for CSK, RCB, DC, or LSG to surpass them in the points table. However, if RR were to stumble in both of their remaining matches and remain at 16 points, the scenario changes. Suddenly, the possibility emerges for three other teams to reach the same tally. In such a situation, the net run rate could become the deciding factor, potentially allowing SRH and CSK to leapfrog over RR. Despite the mathematical permutations, LSG’s chances of surpassing RR in NRR remain slim, even if they manage to accumulate 16 points. Therefore, RR would likely slip through the cracks, even in the event of consecutive losses in their remaining fixtures.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
With a commendable run rate of 0.406, SRH stands in a favorable position compared to LSG. Securing just one victory in their two remaining matches should secure their qualification. Moreover, two wins could potentially propel them into contention for a top-two finish. However, the equation remains intricate as CSK, along with either LSG or DC, could end up tied with SRH on points. Should SRH falter in both of their last two games, they risk falling behind CSK and LSG in the points table.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB has turned their fortunes around lately, showing impressive form in both batting and bowling. Their recent win against DC has boosted them to 12 points, with a chance to reach 14 in the upcoming match against CSK next Saturday. While this could enhance their playoff hopes, their fate depends on other match results. If SRH and LSG secure 16 points each, RCB might face elimination from the playoffs.
If SRH and LSG lose their remaining matches, preventing them from reaching 14 points, and RCB manages to defeat CSK by the required margin, both RCB and CSK could advance to the top 4.
CSK’s recent triumph against RR moves them one step closer to a coveted playoffs spot, though their journey to qualification remains uncertain. A loss against RCB could leave them stranded at 14 points, allowing four other teams – KKR, RR, SRH, and LSG – to potentially leapfrog them.
CSK’s strong net run rate offers a glimmer of hope, positioning them favorably to clinch a top-four finish with a victory over RCB in their upcoming fixture. However, a defeat would force them to rely on SRH faltering in their remaining matches and LSG enduring at least one setback. Only under these circumstances would CSK’s passage to the top 4 be assured.
Lucknow Super Giants
LSG’s low net run rate puts them in a tough spot, requiring them to reach 16 points to stay in the running. However, even at this mark, they might fall short if CSK and SRH also reach 16 points, given their much better NRRs. Even if RR loses two games, it’s unlikely that LSG can bridge the gap in run rate.
While LSG can potentially reach 16 points, their playoff hopes hinge on SRH losing both their remaining matches and staying at 14 points, along with CSK losing to RCB and also staying at 14 points. Under these circumstances, LSG could secure a playoff spot as the third-placed team. However, if SRH wins at least one game and CSK defeats RCB, then even if LSG wins both their matches, they won’t make it to the top 4 based on NRR.
Delhi Capitals
DC’s loss by 47 runs to RCB has significantly lowered their net run rate to -0.482, placing them well below CSK, SRH, and RCB. With a maximum of 14 points achievable, their chances of securing a top-four finish are highly improbable. For DC to have a shot at qualifying, they would need substantial defeats inflicted upon SRH in their remaining matches, CSK prevailing over RCB, and LSG experiencing losses in both of their upcoming games.
Gujarat Titans
GT’s win against Chennai Super Kings has kept their playoff hopes alive, though they’re slim. They need other teams above them to lose while winning their own matches to stay in contention.