Gujarat Titans’ chances of making it to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs were dashed after their match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was rained out on Monday.  Along with GT, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are already out of the competition. Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the IPL playoffs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have kept their playoff dreams alive, whereas Delhi Capitals (DC), despite a strong showing mid-tournament, are virtually out of contention for the IPL 2024 playoffs. With eight league matches remaining, only KKR has secured a playoff berth, while Rajasthan Royal (RR), despite being in a favorable position for the second spot, faces vulnerability after three consecutive losses. SRH, currently in third place, has an additional game advantage over competitors CSK, RCB, and DC.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):

After triumphing over MI in a rain-affected game in Kolkata, KKR secured a spot in the top 4. Moreover, with their recent match against GT being washed out, both teams earned 1 point each, solidifying KKR’s position in the top two spots with a potential total of 21 points. Although KKR’s final match against RR may seem inconsequential, it holds significance for RR’s quest for the number two spot. Currently, KKR leads the table with 19 points from 13 matches.

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Rajasthan Royals (RR):

After defeat to CSK which was Rajasthan Royals’ third consecutive loss, signaling vulnerability despite their strong performance throughout the league. With two matches remaining, they require just one victory to secure a playoff berth. Both upcoming games will be played at home, against PBKS and table-topping KKR. The match against PBKS presents their best opportunity to secure qualification. A win would guarantee RR’s position, preventing CSK, RCB, DC, or LSG from overtaking them in the points table. However, if RR loses both matches and remains at 16 points, three other teams could potentially reach the same tally. In such a scenario, Net Run Rate (NRR) becomes crucial, potentially allowing SRH and CSK to surpass RR. LSG’s chances of surpassing RR in NRR are slim, ensuring RR’s qualification even if they lose both remaining matches.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

CSK’s victory over RR positions them to vie for a playoff berth in their upcoming league match against RCB in Bengaluru. This match takes on the significance of a virtual knockout due to RCB’s standing in the table. If CSK emerges victorious, they will secure 16 points, effectively eliminating RCB. However, they still must solidify their playoff berth as RR could potentially surpass them with two wins, as could SRH. LSG could draw level on points with CSK, with NRR potentially determining the final spot. Nonetheless, it’s improbable for LSG to overtake CSK even with substantial wins in their remaining fixtures. Hence, a win against RCB is pivotal for CSK’s playoff prospects. However, should they falter, CSK must ensure they don’t suffer a defeat by more than 18 runs (if RCB scores 200) to maintain a superior NRR to RCB’s. In the event of a loss, CSK would rely on SRH losing both their remaining matches and LSG dropping at least one to secure their top-four berth.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):

SRH may hold a slight edge in securing the third playoff spot in IPL 2024, but their path is far from guaranteed. Currently on 14 points with two matches left, SRH could potentially reach 18 points to secure their playoff berth. However, a single loss in their remaining fixtures would leave them vulnerable. CSK, along with either LSG or DC, could potentially match SRH’s points tally. If SRH loses both of their last two games, they risk slipping behind CSK and LSG in the standings. SRH’s upcoming opponents are GT and PBKS. Victories in both matches would secure their playoff berth, and if RR stumbles in their last two games, SRH could even aim for a top-two finish.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

With their fifth consecutive victory, RCB is mounting a late surge for a playoff berth, setting the stage for a crucial final league encounter against CSK, who are also in contention for the playoffs. A defeat would spell the end of RCB’s campaign, while a victory would keep their hopes alive. However, to achieve this, RCB must defeat CSK by a margin exceeding 18 runs (if they score 200) to surpass CSK’s NRR. Although SRH and LSG remain potential threats to RCB’s position, by the time RCB faces CSK on Saturday, LSG would have completed both their matches. If SRH and LSG falter in their remaining fixtures and fail to surpass 14 points, and if RCB defeats CSK by the specified margin, both RCB and CSK could secure spots in the top four.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

The recent defeat of Delhi Capitals, against RCB, has all but extinguished their hopes of making it to the playoffs. With just one game left against LSG, DC can only reach a maximum of 14 points. Even if there’s a scenario where SRH, LSG, CSK, and RCB all end up with 14 points, DC’s NRR doesn’t favor them, putting them at a disadvantage. For DC to have any chance, they would require heavy losses for SRH in their final two games, CSK defeating RCB, and LSG losing both their remaining matches. However, this seems more like wishful thinking than a plausible outcome. In reality, it’s highly unlikely to materialize.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

CSK and RCB’s victories on Sunday have added complexity to LSG’s playoff prospects. With an NRR of -0.769, LSG currently holds the weakest NRR among the teams still contending for a playoff spot, which could prove detrimental even if they win their remaining two matches. Although they could potentially accumulate 16 points, securing a playoff berth hinges on specific outcomes. LSG would ideally require SRH to lose both their remaining games, keeping them at 14 points, and for CSK to lose to RCB, also staying at 14 points. Under these conditions, LSG could clinch the playoff spot as the third-placed team. However, if SRH manages to win at least one of their matches and CSK defeats RCB, then even with LSG winning both their games, they would be unable to break into the top four due to their inferior NRR.