IPL 2024: Qualification scenarios after KKR become first team to reach Playoffs

As the IPL 2024 season progresses, the excitement and tension among fans are reaching new heights. With teams battling it out for a spot in the playoffs, every match becomes crucial in determining their fate.

Kolkata Knight Riders remain on top of the IPL 2024 points table with 18 points in 12 matches and become the first team to qualify for playoffs. Rajasthan Royals are placed 2nd with 16 points in 11 matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad currently occupy the 3rd spot with 14 points. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants – all are currently stationed with 12 points.

IPL 2024 Playoff Scenario

1. Kolkata Knight Riders:

KKR have set the benchmark by becoming the first team to secure a place in the IPL 2024 playoffs. With an impressive performance throughout the season, KKR has dominated the points table and almost ensured a top-two finish, thanks to their exceptional form and healthy Net Run Rate (NRR). For them to miss out on the top two, they’ll have to lose by really huge margins, and SRH will need two big wins as well.

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2. MI and PBKS: Eliminated from Playoff Race: 

Conversely, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings have faced disappointment as they are eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoff race. Despite their efforts, both teams failed to secure enough points to stay in contention, marking an end to their campaign in this tournament edition. Mumbai Indians (MI) currently sit 9th in the table with 8 points in 13 matches and eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoff race.

3. RCB’s Playoff Qualification Hope: 

Royal Challengers Bangalore still cling to hopes of playoff qualification. With crucial matches remaining, RCB must secure victories to keep their chances alive and potentially sneak into the playoffs. RCB now sit 7th with 10 points to their name. With two matches to go, Bengaluru will have to win the matches to have an outside chance for qualification. RCB will take on Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings in the season. SRH and CSK lose both their matches, and LSG win no more than one. Then RCB will have a good chance of surpassing SRH on net run rate, and they will stay ahead of DC and LSG as well.

4. RR’s Qualification Scenario: 

The Rajasthan Royals are relatively comfortable but cannot afford to be complacent. With teams closely trailing, RR must maintain momentum and secure wins in its upcoming matches to solidify its playoff spot. RR will have to win two of their last three games to finish in the top two of the points table. Even if they lose all three, they will be knocked out only if their net run rate falls below that of the winner of the DC-LSG clash, assuming the winner finishes on 16.

5. CSK’s Path to Qualification: 

After a setback against Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings face a challenging road to qualification. With crucial matches ahead, CSK need to regroup and secure victories to ensure its place in the playoffs. CSK’s next two matches are against Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and will have to win both of them to ensure qualification since their net run rate is still a healthy 0.491 despite their 35-run loss to Gujarat Titans.

If they do finish on 14, their best bet will be SRH and DC losing their remaining games and LSG losing to Mumbai Indians to stay on 14. Then, their superior net run rate will ensure CSK finish third, ahead of the two other teams on 14.

CSK can qualify with one victory as well, but in that case-

i. DC will have to lose vs RCB/DC

ii. LSG will have to lose vs MI/DC

iii. CSK will have to beat RCB

6. LSG’s Playoff Hopes: 

Lucknow Super Giants’ playoff hopes hang in the balance after a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. To have a chance of qualifying, LSG must win their remaining matches and rely on other results to go their way. If Lucknow Super Giants beat Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad or Chennai Super Kings lose their two matches, then KL Rahul and his team will be through to the playoffs. Even if they beat DC but lose to Mumbai, they will be hard-pressed to qualify as the other teams in contention – SRH, DC, CSK and RCB – all have better run rates.

7. SRH’s Quest for Playoff Spot: 

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s victory over LSG has boosted their playoff prospects, but they cannot afford to be complacent. Their stunning win over LSG has lifted SRH to 14 points at a net run rate of 0.406, which not only gives them an excellent chance of qualifying but also a shot at finishing in the top two (though they’ll need help from other results for that). With a crucial match against the Gujarat Titans ahead, SRH must continue its winning momentum to secure its place in the playoffs. SRH’s next match against Gujarat Titans is of paramount importance and a win can almost stamp their qualification assurance.

8. GT’s Slim Playoff Chances: 

Gujarat Titans’ victory against CSK has kept their slim playoff hopes alive. However, GT needs favorable results from other matches while winning their own to keep their qualification dreams alive. The teams above them must lose their matches while they will have to win their matches as well.

Qualification for GT is proving to be extremely challenging due to their dismal net run rate of -1.063. Based on their current NRR, GT’s optimal scenario would involve SRH (already on 14 points), DC, and LSG being the remaining teams in contention. However, GT will still require significant victories to surpass at least two of these teams in the standings.

9. DC’s Last Chance:

Delhi Capitals have a final opportunity to make a push for playoff qualification. With only two matches remaining, DC must win both games and hope other results will fall in their favor to secure their spot in the playoffs. They have matches against RCB and LSG. Even if the Capitals win both of their matches, their qualification is not guaranteed as SRH beat LSG and the Hyderabad outfit have the destiny in their own hands now. The fight for the fourth place could be a direct tussle between DC and LSG, with both on 14 points and the former currently having the better run rate.