As the league stage of IPL 2024 nears its end with only six games remaining, the race for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs has intensified. The Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have secured playoff spots, leaving two spots still available and 5 teams battling for them.
KKR will now conclude the IPL league stages as either the top-ranked or the second-placed team, securing their spot in Qualifier 1 in Chennai. This guarantees KKR two opportunities to reach the finals. If they lose in Qualifier 1, they will proceed to Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator for another chance to reach the final. Their final league game against the Rajasthan Royals could determine who finishes at the top of the table.
Conversely, the Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Gujarat Titans (GT) have been eliminated from playoff contention after disappointing campaigns.
The Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG’s) loss to the Delhi Capitals yesterday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium not only jeopardised the visitors’ chances of qualifying for the IPL 2024 playoffs but also ensured that the Rajasthan Royals became the second team, after the Kolkata Knight Riders, to secure a playoff spot. With six matches remaining, three teams are officially out of the playoff race, while two have secured their place in the top four. This leaves two spots up for grabs, with five teams still in contention.
Rajasthan Royal (RR)
Rajasthan Royals are assured of a berth in the playoffs after Lucknow Super Giants loss to Delhi Capitals yesterday. However, if RR were to fumble in both of their matches that are left and remain at 16 points, the scenario would change. 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.
RR have secured a playoff spot, but to finish in the top two, they may need to win one or both of their remaining matches, depending on other results. If they lose both games and remain at 16 points, SRH and CSK could potentially finish ahead of them.
Chennai Super Kings – CSK
The LSG loss has clarified the situation for CSK. A win against RCB will secure their playoff spot. If CSK triumphs over RCB on Saturday, SRH is the only team that can potentially push CSK down the points table, but CSK cannot fall below fourth place if they have 16 points. However, a loss to RCB will complicate matters for CSK. They would remain on 14 points, and if the margin of defeat exceeds 18 runs (assuming RCB bats first and scores 200), RCB will overtake CSK in the standings. In that scenario, CSK would need SRH to lose their remaining two games for both CSK and RCB to make the playoffs.
SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are among the contenders vying for a top-two finish this season. Currently positioned fourth in the IPL 2024 standings with 14 points from 12 games and a net run-rate of +0.406, the Pat Cummins-led squad faces the Gujarat Titans on May 16 and the Punjab Kings on May 19 in their remaining fixtures at their home ground in Hyderabad. SRH must secure victory in at least one of these matches to secure their playoff berth. Winning both games could potentially position them to challenge KKR and RR for a top-two finish. However, if they lose both matches, teams like CSK, RCB, or even LSG could surpass them in the standings.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB has one last match remaining, facing Chennai Super Kings at their home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 18. It’s a crucial game for RCB, and even if they emerge victorious, they will need other results to go in their favour. RCB would require SRH to lose both of their remaining matches and LSG to lose at least one of their two games. Regardless of the scenario, RCB will aim to defeat CSK by a considerable margin, which would boost their net run rate above CSK’s. If other outcomes align favourably, RCB stands a good chance of qualifying for the IPL Playoffs with a superior net run rate compared to CSK.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals have completed all their matches, securing 14 points with a victory over LSG on Tuesday, placing them fifth in the table. DC’s optimal chance for playoff qualification hinges on SRH enduring significant defeats in their final two matches, CSK prevailing against RCB, and LSG winning no more than one game while maintaining a run rate lower than that of DC. Similar to LSG, the negative run rate of the Capitals could pose a challenge to their playoff aspirations.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans’ victory over Chennai Super Kings has kept their slim playoff hopes alive. To remain in contention, they require the teams above them to suffer losses while securing victories in their matches.
As the IPL playoffs draw near, the competition intensifies with each match. With teams battling fiercely for the coveted playoff spots, every game becomes crucial. As the league stage reaches its conclusion, the playoff picture begins to take shape, but the race is far from over. With some teams already securing their spots and others fighting until the last moment, the anticipation and excitement among fans are at an all-time high. As the top teams prepare to face off in the playoffs, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling matches that will ultimately determine the IPL 2024 champion.
