Race to IPL 2023 Playoffs: Can Your Favorite Team Make the Cut? Unveiling the Possibilities!

Bhubaneswar: With only nine matches remaining in the league stage of IPL 2023, the race for the playoffs is still wide open, with only the Delhi Capitals being eliminated. Let’s take a closer look at the qualification chances of each of the remaining nine teams.

1. Mumbai Indians:

– If they win their remaining two matches, they will secure a top-two finish and qualify for the playoffs.

– If they lose one match and finish on 16 points, they would rely on other results to qualify, either without NRRs coming into play or potentially in a battle for the final spot depending on their NRR.

– If they lose both matches, their qualification hopes would be slim, as three teams would already be on 15 or more points, and they would have to contend with four teams for the fourth spot with a poor NRR.

2. Chennai Super Kings:

– If they win their last match against the Delhi Capitals, they will qualify for the playoffs but might not finish in the top two.

– If they lose to the Capitals, they could potentially be knocked out if five teams have a chance to finish with more than 15 points unless other results favour them and they secure the third spot without adding to their current tally.

3. Gujarat Titans:

– If they win at least one of their last two matches, they will confirm their place in the playoffs and guarantee a top-two finish.

– If they lose both matches and certain other results go a specific way, they could finish tied on 16 points with multiple teams, and their superior NRR would be crucial to qualify.

4. Lucknow Super Giants:

– They need to win their last two matches to ensure qualification.

– Losing one match could still see them qualify without depending on NRR, provided other results align in their favour.

– If five other teams finish on 16 or more points, including the Titans, Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings, then the Super Giants would be eliminated if they lose both matches.

5. Royal Challengers Bangalore:

– They are in contention for a playoff spot with 12 points.

– Their improved NRR from a recent victory is crucial.

– Even if 16 points become a crowded tally on the table, the Royal Challengers are in a good position due to their NRR, which is now better than that of the Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings.

6. Punjab Kings:

– They need a strong finish to secure a top-four spot.

– Losing a game could complicate their situation as they may have to battle with multiple teams for a single spot.

– They require support from other teams and significant victories to boost their NRR, which currently lags behind the other teams in contention.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders:

– They need to win their last game and rely on specific outcomes in other matches.

– If the Super Giants, Royal Challengers, and Punjab Kings lose their remaining matches, a scenario may emerge where two to four teams will compete for one spot, and the Knight Riders’ NRR becomes crucial.

8. Rajasthan Royals:

– They still have a chance to qualify if they win their last game and receive favourable results in other matches.

– Their best hope lies in other teams losing their remaining matches and they have an advantage in terms of NRR in a potential battle for the fourth spot against the Knight Riders.

9. Sunrisers Hyderabad:

– They are at the bottom of the table with eight points and a poor NRR.

– They must win all their remaining matches and rely on other results to remain in contention, but their NRR puts them at a disadvantage compared to other teams.