MUMBAI:
After the penultimate double-header day before the IPL playoffs, RCB and CSK keep their playoff hopes alive while Delhi Capitals, despite a strong run during the middle of the tournament, are as good as out of the IPL 2024 playoff race. With eight more matches in the league stages to go, only KKR have sealed a playoff spot while RR, even though they might be in pole position to claim the second playoff spot, the third consecutive loss has meant they are in a vulnerable position. SRH, currently placed 3rdhave the cushion of one extra game than their nearest competitors CSK, RCB and DC. Here’s a look at the possible IPL 2024 playoff qualification scenarios and what the teams have to do
IPL 2024 PLAYOFF QUALIFICATION SCENARIOS
KKR are assured of a top 4 finish after they beat MI in the rain-curtailed match in Kolkata last night, and with two more games remaining, they will now be looking to seal the top-two spot. They can go up to 22 points, equaling the record for the most points accumulated in the league stages. They face GT in Ahmedabad and then RR in Jaipur in their last two fixtures, and it will be their final league game against Rajasthan that could decide the top-two finish of IPL 2024.
Rajasthan Royals – RR are currently placed second in the points table with 16 points.
The loss to CSK yesterday was Rajasthan Royals’ third on the trot, and despite staying vital for most of the league so far, RR are showing signs of vulnerability. They still have two games remaining and need just one win to seal the playoff spot. Their remaining two games are at home – against PBKS and table-topper KKR. The game against knocked-out PBKS will be their best chance to get the Q. A win for RR will ensure that neither CSK, RCB, DC or LSG can surpass them in the points tally. But, if RR loses both of their remaining fixtures and remain on 16 points, there is a possibility three other teams can also reach 16 points. NRR could come into play in that case, and SRH and CSK could go above RR. LSG, even if they get 16 points, is highly unlikely to surpass RR in NRR. So, RR will sneak through even if they lose their remaining two games.
Chennai Super Kings – CSK are currently placed third in the points table with 14 points
Remaining matches
CSK’s win over RR means CSK can push for a playoff spot in their final league game against RCB in Bengaluru. This fixture will become a virtual knockout because of RCB’s position in the table. If CSK win, they go to 16 points, knocking out RCB, but they will still need to seal a playoff spot because RR can go out of CSK’s reach with two wins, and so can SRH. LSG can go level on points with CSK, and if LSG get big wins, then NRR can decide on the final spot. But LSG’s NRR could be better, and it is unlikely they will be able to go past CSK even if they win handsomely in their remaining two games. So, a win against RCB more or less will ensure a playoff spot for CSK. What if they lose? In that case, CSK would need to ensure they do not lose by more than 18 runs (If RCB score 200) to keep themselves above RCB’s NRR despite the loss. If they lose, they would hope SRH to lose their remaining two games and also LSG to ensure at least one loss. That way, CSK’s passage to the top 4 will be ensured.
