IPL 2024 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios: How Can CSK, RCB, Delhi Capitals, LSG Qualify For Knockouts

New Delhi: The IPL 2024 playoffs qualification race got more intense after Gujarat Titans defeated Chennai Super Kings on Friday in Ahmedabad. Following the game, three teams – CSK, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants – are currently locked in at 12 points, making the qualification scenario interesting. For the starters, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, both with 16 points each, are certain to make it to the final four. For the final two spots, the fight is between five teams. While it looks formidable for Sunrisers Hyderabad to take one of the remaining two spots, a lot can happen in the final stretch of the tournament with net run-rate (NRR) playing a major role in the knockouts qualification. For the unknown, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings have already been eliminated from the race. Let’s take a look at how things stand for all the sides.

Kolkata Knight Riders: The two-time champions sit at the top of points table with 16 points from 11 games. They have three more games left and a win in atleast two of them will let them stay in the top two after the league stage.

Rajasthan Royals: The equation for the Sanju Samson’s side is exactly similar to KKR.

Sunrsisers Hyderabad: Led by Pat Cummins, SRH stand third in the table with 14 points from 12 games. The Orange Army need to win both their remaining games to be on the safer side.

Chennai Super Kings: It is very evident that CSK have not played up to the mark in the ongoing season with an unsettled batting order and poor team selection hurting them badly. Currently, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side stand fourth with 12 points in 12 games. With two games still to go against Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, CSK have to win both their games to solidify their chances for the playoffs. A loss will jeopardize CSK’s chances for an entry into the knockouts. If CSK lose both their games, then either one among Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants will go through. Even with two victories, CSK will need to depend upon their NRR if either of Delhi Capitals and LSG win both their games.

Delhi Capitals: The Rishabh Pant-led side had a mixed season so far. After winning just one game from their first five, Delhi Capitals made a remarkable comeback by winning five of their next seven. With 12 points from the same number of games, Delhi Capitals stand fifth and need to win their final two games against RCB and LSG to reach a maximum tally of 16 points. At the same time, Delhi Capitals would also hope CSK lose both their remaining games. Delhi Capitals will have to take care of their net run rate as well because there could be a scenario where they themselves and LSG get locked to the same number of points.

Lucknow Super Giants: Things have gone well in the LSG setup, more so after their hammering at the hands of SRH. With their NRR taking a major hit, LSG stand sixth with 12 points from the same number of games and need to win both by big margins to have a chance for the playoffs qualification. They would also hope teams above them lose a couple of games.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Like Delhi Capitals, RCB too made a great comeback by winning four games on the trot to keep themselves alive in the competition. With Virat Kohli being the messiah, RCB still have an outside chance to make the surprise entry into the play-offs. RCB currently stand seventh in the points table with 10 points from 12 games. The maximum they can reach is 14 points. If CSK lose their remaining games, and Delhi Capitals and LSG too lose points, then RCB will become the only team to qualify for the play-offs with 14 points under their belt. However this is very unlikely to happen and RCB will have to work on their NRR to contest for last spot.

Gujarat Titans: Although Gujarat Titans beat CSK to keep hopes alive, they need a miracle to advance to the final four. With a same scenario like RCB, Gujarat Titans need to win both their remaining game and hope others lose.