The qualification scenario of playoffs has taken a different turn after Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders match was washed out. KKR are now officially out of the race, leaving six teams in contention for the remaining four playoff spots. Here’s how each team stands heading into the final phase of the league stage:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Matches Played: 12
Points: 17
Net Run Rate (NRR): +0.482
Upcoming Games: vs SRH (home), vs LSG (away)
RCB are tantalizingly close to wrapping up a playoff spot but still have one point short of being sure. Though they’re sitting pretty on 17, there is still a possibility that five teams might end up with 17 or more points, and that would make the battle enter net run rate waters. Their best bet is to win one of their last two games and steer clear of the NRR scramble.
Also Read: DC Vs GT: Pitch Report Of Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi – Here’s Why Bowling First Is Crucial
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Matches Played: 11
Points: 15
NRR: +0.376
Fixtures Left: vs RR (away), vs DC (Jaipur), vs MI (Jaipur)
PBKS need to win atleast two of three matches to qualify. Getting to 17 points may keep them on the cusp, depending on other outcomes, particularly if other teams reach that level too. Interestingly, even 15 points may be sufficient under an unusual circumstance where DC and LSG fail to perform. Net run rate would then determine the last spot in such a situation.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Games Played: 11
Points: 16
NRR: +0.793
Games Left to Play: vs DC (away), vs LSG (home), vs CSK (home)
GT need one victory to seal their position in the playoffs. A good net run rate and a 4-1 record at home in Ahmedabad place them in a strong position. Even if they lose each of their three remaining games, they may still fall short if other challengers reach 17 or more points.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Played: 12
Points: 14
NRR: +1.156
Remaining Matches: vs DC (home), vs PBKS (Jaipur)
Even with the defeat to Gujarat, MI are still in control of their destiny. Two victories from here will see them reach 18 points and seal a playoff berth. If they win just once and end up on 16, they will be looking to other teams to falter. Their superb net run rate advantage will help them in tight situations.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Matches Played: 11
Points: 13
NRR: +0.362
Remaining Matches: vs GT (home), vs MI (away), vs PBKS (Jaipur)
DC’s washout against SRH provided them with a valuable bonus point, maintaining them in contention. But now Delhi Capitals need to win all three of their last matches to qualify without depending on other results. If they are on 15 or 17 points, the net run rate and the performance of the other contenders may decide their fate.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Matches Played: 11
Points: 10
NRR: -0.469
Remaining Matches: vs SRH (home), vs GT (away), vs RCB (home)
LSG’s season is teetering on the brink of collapse. They have to win all three remaining matches in order to get to 16 points and hope other teams do them some favors. Another loss will cause them to be out of the running. Their abysmal NRR is yet another huge drawback, so they will need to dominate games and have plenty of help elsewhere.
