After the thumping victory of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the race to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 title has become very interesting. RCB beat SRH by eight wickets in a high-scoring contest at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday. Leading the run chase, star batsman Virat Kohli scored a scintillating century for RCB as they earned two crucial points to bolster their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
While SRH and Delhi Capitals (DC) have already been eliminated from the playoff race, Gujarat Titans (GT) have confirmed a top two finish. Here is a look at the playoff qualification scenario for the other seven teams:
How can CSK qualify for playoff?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have their destiny in their own hands. If they manage to emerge victorious in their last league match against DC, the MS Dhoni-led side will seal a spot in the playoff. If they lose, they will have to hope that either Gujarat Titans beat Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders beat Lucknow Super Giants or Sunrisers Hyderabad get the better of Mumbai Indians.
How can LSG leapfrog to playoff?
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have the same kind of situation as CSK. They need to win their last league match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to finish in top four. If they lose the all-important match, they will end up with 15 points. Then, they will expect that either GT beat RCB, DC beat CSK by a decent margin or SRH beat MI.
What are RCB’s chances for top 4 finish?
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) need to win their last league stage match against Gujarat Titans on Sunday evening by a huge margin to give themselves a good chance to be through to the next round. If they lose, they will have to hope that SRH beat MI, PBKS defeat RR by a narrow margin and KKR also lose to LSG. Moreover, RCB must have the best net run rate among other teams that finish with 14 points.
How can MI qualify for playoff?
Mumbai Indians (MI) don’t have the fate in their own hands anymore to qualify for the playoff. Even if they beat SRH in their last match on Sunday, their playoff spot will depend upon a tricky situation. After their victory, they will have to hope either CSK, LSG or RCB lose their last league match. In case of defeat, their elevation will depend upon a complex equation and they are most likely to be eliminated.
How RR, PBKS and KKR can qualify for playoffs?
Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have similar kinds of qualification scenario to qualify for playoff. They need to win their last league matches with huge margins.
While RR and PBKS lock horns against each other on Friday, KKR will take on LSG on Saturday. Moreover, they will have to hope that RCB and MI lose their last league stage matches by huge margins. The team with the best net run rate has a chance to be elevated to the top four.