As IPL 2021 nears the business end, we take a look at what the teams need to do to stay in contention for a playoffs berth.

Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings have more-or-less confirmed their top-fourth spot in the IPL 2021, with Sunrisers Hyderabad the only side to be eliminated thus far. With 13 games left in the league stages, we see what the teams need to do to seal a spot in the playoffs. Get to know all the information about the teams that can make the cut at BetIndia.In

Delhi Capitals – 16 points from 11 games

Matches remaining: v MI, October 2; v CSK, October 4; v RCB, October 8

What they need to do to qualify: With 16 points from 11 games, Delhi Capitals need just one more win in their remaining three matches to seal a spot in the top four. They have started the UAE leg in fine fashion as well, winning two of their three games thus far, and will fancy their chances.

What they need to do to finish in the top two: If DC win their remaining three games, they will be assured of a top-two spot. However, it’s easier said than done, as the remaining matches are not against the easiest sides. Even if they win just one game, they will go to 18 points, and RCB will then have to win two of the next three to catch up to them. DC’s superior NRR, though, could mean they still remain ahead of RCB.

Chennai Super Kings – 16 points from 10 games

Matches remaining: v SRH, September 30; v RR, October 2; v DC, October 4; v PBKS, October 7

What they need to do to qualify: The MS Dhoni-led side have 16 points, and, with the best NRR among all teams, lead the points table. They need just one more win to seal a top-two berth.

What they need to do to finish in the top two: With 16 points from 10 games, CSK have the best chances of finishing in the top two. If they get to 18, only RCB and DC will be able to catch up to them, but their superior NRR means they will edge ahead. Two wins from their remaining four matches will assure them of a top-two finish.

Royal Challengers Bangalore – 14 points from 11 games

Matches remaining: v PBKS, October 3; v SRH, October 6; v DC, October 8

What they need to do to qualify: Two more wins from their last three games will assure them of a spot in the top-four.

Worst-case scenario: If RCB fails to win another game, and any two teams from KKR, MI, PBKS, and RR get to 14, it will come down to NRR, and RCB can crash out.

Rajasthan Royals – 8 points from 11 games

Matches remaining: v CSK, October 2; v MI, October 5; v KKR, October 7

What they need to do to qualify: RR can get to a maximum of 14 points and have to hope that KKR, MI, or PBKS do not catch up to them.

Worst-case scenario: With the worst NRR among all teams in contention, RR fact the risk of elimination even if they win all their remaining matches. If KKR and MI win the three games that are left, RR will be eliminated.

Kolkata Knight Riders – 10 points from 11 games

Matches remaining: v PBKS, October 1; v SRH, October 3; v RR, October 7

What they need to do to qualify: Convincing wins in the first two games of the UAE leg, against RCB and Mumbai Indians, have meant a NRR of +0.363, which holds them in good stead. They will face teams who have been inconsistent in the league thus far, and three wins from their last three matches will seal a top-four spot. Mumbai Indians will be the only side that can catch up to them if they get to 16, but their NRR should see them edge ahead of Mumbai.

Worst-case scenario: If KKR does not win their last three games and get to 16 points, they run the risk of elimination. Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals can all overtake KKR in that scenario, and a heavy defeat will dent their NRR as well, which will make it tougher for them.

Mumbai Indians – 10 points from 11 games

Matches remaining: v DC, October 2; v RR, October 5; v SRH, October 8

What they need to do to qualify: MI will have to win all three matches and hope that KKR lose at least one match if they want to make the top-four. If KKR wins all, and Mumbai Indians too win all the three games left, both will have 16 points, and it will then boil down to NRR.

Worst-case scenario: Their direct fight remains with KKR, as both teams have 10 points on the table currently. However, Mumbai’s NRR of -0.453 means that even if they are tied with points, KKR will make the top four, unless they register a heavy win. They will bow out if KKR wins one more match than them. If KKR do not win any more games, they can also crash out if Rajasthan or Punjab overtakes them in points.

Punjab Kings – 8 points from 11 games

Matches remaining: v KKR, October 1; v RCB, October 3; v CSK, October 7

What they need to do to qualify: Punjab will have to win all their remaining games to go to up 14 points, and then hope that KKR, MI, and RR do not overtake them. They can theoretically qualify even if they get to 12 points, and will want the other three teams to not catch up to them, in points or in the NRR race.

Worst-case scenario: Even if they lose one match, PBKS will then depend on other results. Wins in all three remaining matches too will not ensure a top-four berth: they will hope that KKR wins only one more match (as they will crash out if both teams have 14 due to KKR’s better NRR), and even if MI or RR get to 14, will want them to have an inferior NRR than them.