Two out of six teams will make it to the IPL 2024 playoffs. The route is easier for some of them than for the others.
Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.
With 19 points in 12 games, Kolkata Knight Riders have made it to the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024. Rajasthan Royals (16 from 12) are not there yet, but they have qualified for the playoffs.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans (11 points from 13 games), Mumbai Indians (eight from 13) and Punjab Kings (eight from 12) are out of the race.
There are still two spots left. With six matches left in the league stage, this is where the teams stand.
[breakout id=”0″][/breakout]
IPL 2024 league stage matches left:
Home team mentioned first
May 15: Rajasthan* v Punjab
May 16: Hyderabad v Gujarat
May 17: Mumbai v Lucknow
May 18: Bengaluru v Chennai
May 19: Hyderabad v Punjab, Rajasthan* v Kolkata
*Rajasthan will “host” these in Guwahati
Rajasthan Royals (NRR +0.349)
As mentioned above, RR are already in the playoffs, but they will want to have the security of a top-two finish. The only teams that can deny them that are Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. Here is how they can make it to Qualifier 1:
(a) Win both matches, or
(b) Win one, expect SRH to either lose one or finish behind RR on net run rate, or
(c) Lose both, expect RCB to beat CSK and SRH lose both matches or finish behind RR on NRR
Chennai Super Kings (NRR +0.528)
Defeat RCB. If RCB beat them, CSK have to ensure they lose by 17 runs or fewer if they chase, or with 10 balls or fewer if RCB chase. If they cannot achieve that, the only way they can qualify is if SRH lose both their matches and finish behind CSK on NRR.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (NRR +0.406)
One win will put SRH in the playoffs. They even have a decent chance of making it to leapfrog RR and make it to Qualifier 1. If SRH lose both games, they can still make it if CSK beat RCB. If RCB do beat CSK, SRH still have a significant chance – for they play PBKS after CSK play RCB. In other words, SRH will know what they need to qualify.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (NRR +0.387)
A win against CSK by 18 runs or more or, if RCB chase, with 11 balls or more. If RCB beat CSK but by smaller margin, they will have to back SRH to lose both matches and finish behind RCB on NRR.
Delhi Capitals (NRR -0.387)
DC can afford one team to escape the 14-point bracket but not more than that. Even if that happens, they will qualify if and only if they finish highest on NRR of all teams tied on 14 points. If no team barring KKR and RR goes past 14, DC can afford to finish second among the 14-pointers.
Lucknow Super Giants (NRR -0.787)
LSG need to beat MI by a truly colossal margin (enough to go past DC at least) – and that is where it starts. Their other criterion match DC’s.
