The Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached its most important phase and with the league stage almost concluding, the race to playoffs has got very strong. With just 16 games remaining in the league, seven out of ten teams are still mathematically in the running for a spot in the final four. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have been eliminated from the playoff contention. The second half of the table is seeing a desperate fight with several teams targeting 20 points or more. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is currently leading the pack with 16 points, followed closely by Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT), both sitting at 14 points. 16 points have been enough to get a playoff spot last season but may shift to 18 or more this time, which will make every game a do-or-die affair.
Team-By-Team Playoff Scenarios
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB are masters of their own fate and they have remaining matches that will be played against LSG, SRH and KKR. With three games remaining, all against teams placed below them on the table, they can lift their total to a whopping 22 points if they win all their remaining games. Even one win would get them to 18 points a target that could well be enough for a playoff place this season. Their victory over CSK last week has eased offloads a lot of pressure.
Also Read: MI Vs GT: Pitch Report Of Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai – Here’s Why Toss Winning Team Should Bowl First!
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Following a morale-lifting victory over LSG, PBKS have climbed into the top half. But with tough games ahead against direct competitors DC, MI and RR, the road ahead is not smooth but they still have a chance of reaching 21 points. They must win at least two more to realistically remain in contention. Their last match against RR, while against an already eliminated team, might still prove important.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Having won six in a row, MI have gained serious momentum. A win against fellow challengers GT would put them in prime position for a top-two finish. Two wins out of their remaining three should be sufficient to seal their playoff spot, and three would see them reach 20 points probably securing a top spot. There next matches will be againt GT, PBKS and DC.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
In spite of a challenging game against MI approaching their horizon, GT clearly have sufficient chances to take their playoff claim to another level. Three victories from their last four games will get them to 20 points. In the event of a clean sweep, they may even achieve 22 points, placing them at the top of the table. Two victories, however, will be the bare minimum. GT will be playing next matches against MI, DC, LSG and CSK.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi are in a delicate position after a dip in form, now having 13 points from 11 games. They have a challenging run all their remaining fixtures are against teams that are currently in the top four. If they have to remain in the playoff hunt, DC need to win all three matches which are against PBKS, GT and MI, through which they can reach 19 points, and hope other matches go in their favor.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG are in a position where they need to win every remaining match which are against RCB, GT and SRH, with just 10 points to their name. To stand any chance of qualifying for the playoffs, they will have to win all three remaining matches and get to 18 points. Even that might depend on net run rate and other results going in their favor.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR’s prospects rest on a thin thread but they still have three matches against CSK, SRH and RCB. The highest they can score is 17 points implying that they have to do absolutely well in all their remaining three matches.
