CSK and DC are currently tied on 12 points each after playing the same number of matches, with their positions determined solely by Net Run Rate. Meanwhile, RCB has been displaying outstanding form, securing four consecutive victories to maintain their hopes of making it to the playoffs. Despite a challenging start to the tournament with seven losses out of eight games in the initial phase, the Faf du Plessis-led side has staged a remarkable comeback, securing five wins out of 12 matches so far.

As CSK, DC, and RCB gear up for their 13th league game in Sunday’s double-header, let’s delve into what each of these three teams must accomplish to secure a spot in the IPL 2024 Playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings

Defending champions CSK currently hold a comfortable fourth position on the points table with a Net Run Rate of (+0.491). Ruturaj Gaikwad’s squad is set to face RR at home on Sunday and will wrap up their league stage campaign against RCB at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, May 18. Let’s delve deeper into CSK’s playoff scenarios:

1. Winning Both Matches: If CSK manages to win both of their remaining games, they would reach a maximum of 16 points. This would put them in a strong position to qualify, especially considering their superior Net Run Rate compared to DC and LSG.
2. Winning One Match: Even if CSK wins only one of their remaining games, they still have a chance to qualify. They would need to rely on the outcome of the match between DC and LSG, hoping that the winner of that game loses their other remaining fixture.
3. Losing Both Matches: If CSK loses both of their remaining matches, they will be eliminated from the tournament. With only 12 points, they would be surpassed by the winner of the match between LSG and DC, who would move to 14 points.

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Delhi Capitals

Rishabh Pant’s DC currently occupy the fifth position on the standings with 12 points and a Net Run Rate of (-0.316). With two matches remaining against RCB and LSG, let’s analyze DC’s playoff scenarios:

1. Winning Both Matches: DC needs to win both of their remaining games to reach a maximum of 16 points. Additionally, they require CSK to lose at least one of their remaining games to secure direct qualification.
2. Tied with CSK at 16 points: If DC ties with CSK at 16 points, Net Run Rate will become crucial. As of now, CSK holds the advantage in this aspect.
3. Winning One Match: If DC wins one out of their two remaining games and reaches 14 points, they will rely on CSK losing both of their matches and LSG losing at least one to secure a playoff spot.
4. Losing Both Matches: If DC loses both of their remaining matches, they will be eliminated from the tournament. LSG will surpass them in the standings regardless of CSK’s results, leading to their elimination.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, have an outside chance at securing a playoff berth in IPL 2024. Let’s break down their playoff scenarios:

1. Winning Both Matches: If RCB wins their last two matches, they can accumulate a maximum of 14 points. However, they would also need favorable outcomes in other matches to secure a top-four finish.
2. Other Results Going Their Way: In the scenario where RCB wins their last two matches and reaches 14 points, they would require CSK to lose against RR, DC to be defeated by LSG, LSG to lose against MI, and GT to lose at least one of their remaining games. This would create a tie at 14 points between RCB and LSG, with RCB holding the superior Net Run Rate.
3. CSK Winning Both Matches: If CSK wins both their remaining games, RCB’s path to the playoffs becomes more challenging. In this case, RCB would need SRH to lose both their matches by a significant margin, GT to lose against KKR, and LSG to not win more than one of their remaining two games.
4. Multiple Teams Tied at 14 Points: If six teams end up tied at 14 points, RCB would still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs based on their Net Run Rate. In this scenario, two teams with the best NRR would advance to the playoffs.

Overall, RCB’s playoff hopes hinge not only on their own performances but also on the outcomes of matches involving other teams in contention.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders Qualify For Playoffs, Beat MI By 18 Runs