The 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached a crucial stage where all ten teams are vying for a spot in the playoffs. Defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) are sitting at the top of the points table and have a bright chance to make it to the knockout stage. However, teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) who are at the bottom two spots also have an outside chance to go to the next round. Let’s have a look at the possible qualification scenarios for all ten teams:
Gujarat Titans
With 16 points from 11 matches, the Titans have almost secured a spot in the playoffs, but if they lose all their remaining games, they could slip to fourth place with their net run rate being a deciding factor. However, if the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat manage to win just one of their last three games, they will confirm their place in the final four.
Chennai Super Kings
After defeating DC at Chepauk on Wednesday, the Super Kings have solidified their position in the tournament, and they need one more win to secure their place in the playoffs. The MS Dhoni-led CSK have 15 points from 12 matches and they will be aiming to book a place in the next round by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next game.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians (MI) started their campaign in IPL 2023 poorly but have managed to make a remarkable recovery. After their recent triumph over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), MI now need two more wins to qualify for the playoffs but with a better net run rate. Though, if MI win all three of their remaining games, they could potentially even finish in the top 2 of the competition.
Lucknow Super Giants
Following MI’s win over RCB, the path to qualification for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has become quite simple. They are currently at the fourth spot with 11 points from 11 matches. LSG will need to win all three of their remaining matches to secure a spot in the playoffs. Although, even if they face a defeat, their chances of progressing to the next stage will still be alive but depending on other teams’ results.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals (RR) began the tournament on a high note and they were in the top four at the halfway stage. However, RR lost their momentum with quite a few defeats since then. They will play against KKR, RCB and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their remaining three games and winning all three matches will put them in a strong position for qualification. The biggest advantage RR have is their positive net run rate (+0.388) which could be a decisive factor in the upcoming games.
Kolkata Knight Riders
This 16th season of the cash-rich league has been a rollercoaster ride for KKR. They currently sit with 10 points and have a net run rate of -0.079 from 11 matches. In order to secure their playoff hopes, they will have to win all of their remaining matches. Even after bagging 16 points, the qualification of KKR will depend on their net run rate.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
With 10 points from 11 matches, RCB have no choice but to win all of their remaining matches to stay in contention. Despite managing 16 points, their qualification will still depend on their net run rate.
Punjab Kings
Similar to KKR, Punjab also need to win all of their remaining three matches with better NRR to keep their playoff hopes alive. They currently have 10 points from 11 matches, with an NRR of -0.441.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Sunrisers have 8 points from 10 matches, but they have played one less game than most teams. In order to reach the 16-point mark, they should win all of their remaining four matches. SRH also need to ensure they win their games with big margins in order to better their NRR which is currently at -0.472.
Delhi Capitals
Currently at the bottom of the points table, the David Warner-led Capitals will have to win all their remaining matches and depend on other results to have any chance of qualifying. The recent defeat against the Super Kings has impacted a major blow to their hopes as they can now only reach a maximum of 14 points.
