As we approach the playoffs of IPL 2023, we take a look at the teams still in contention, and how they can qualify for the top four to reach the play-off matches.

Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the teams to have been eliminated from the edition thus far. Gujarat Titans are the only team to qualify for the playoffs and have also sealed a top-two spot with 18 points.

Here are the qualification scenarios for the remaining seven teams.

Chennai Super Kings – 15 points from 13 games, NR: 0.381

Remaining games: Delhi Capitals, away

Chennai Super Kings need to win their last game against Delhi to assure themselves of a top-four berth. Currently, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans can end with more than CSK’s 15 points, and a defeat will see them in a tricky spot where they rely on other results.

A win will take them through. To qualify in the top two, CSK will need Mumbai to drop a game.

Punjab Kings – 12 points from 12 games, NRR -0.268

Remaining games: Delhi Capitals (home), Rajasthan Royals (home)

Punjab could end on 16 points but will also be relying on other results. Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bangalore are all in the fray to end with 16 or more points and Gujarat have already reached that mark. They would be hoping at least two of the above teams lose a game each so the Net Run Rate does not enter the equation. If it does, Punjab have the worst NRR, which could cost them.

Mumbai Indians – 14 points from 12 games, NRR: NRR -0.117

Remaining games: Lucknow Super Giants (away), Sunrisers Hyderabad (home)

Wins in their last two games will not only see MI qualify but also ensure they end in the top two. A defeat in one game could make it tough, and they would hope that at least two of Chennai, Lucknow, Bangalore or Punjab lose at least one game. If teams are tied on 16, Mumbai’s negative NRR could see them eliminated.

Kolkata Knight Riders – 12 points from 13 games, NRR: NRR -0.256

Remaining games: Lucknow Super Giants (home)

KKR have a slim chance to qualify – currently, Gujarat, Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bangalore and Punjab can finish with more than 14, which Nitish Rana’s team can get with a win in their last match. There are also games between Mumbai-Lucknow and Punjab-Rajasthan coming up. Either Mumbai or Lucknow will cross KKR’s maximum achievable points tally of 14 in that clash, while one of Punjab or Rajasthan will go to 14. RCB and PBKS will be required to lose at least one remaining game.

The Net Run Rate will then enter the scene and KKR’s is far from ideal.

Lucknow Super Giants – 13 points from 12 games, NRR: 0.309

Remaining games: Mumbai Indians (home), Kolkata Knight Riders (away)

Two wins will take them through. If LSG lose one and end on 15 points, five teams can surpass them (GT, CSK, MI, RCB and PBKS). Two of Mumbai, Bangalore and Punjab will have to lose at least a game each for Lucknow to qualify if they end on 15.

Two defeats for LSG will see them get eliminated.

Rajasthan Royals – 12 points from 13 games, NRR: 0.140

Remaining games: Punjab Kings (away)

After an impressive start, Rajasthan Royals have faltered and it will take a number of permutations for last year’s finalists to qualify. They need to win their last game to stay in contention and then hope two of Mumbai, Lucknow or Bangalore lose both of their remaining matches. One win for Punjab in their last two games will see them reach 14 as well, but Rajasthan have a better NRR.

Royal Challengers Bangalore – 12 points from 12 games, NRR: 0.166

Remaining games: Sunrisers Hyderabad (away), Gujarat Titans (home)

RCB are in a must-win situation, as 14 points might not be enough. Three teams (Gujarat, Chennai, Mumbai/Lucknow) can overhaul RCB’s maximum of 16 – leaving a spot open. If Punjab also win both their games and reach 16, RCB’s superior NRR will see them go ahead.

To bet on the IPL with our Match Centre partners bet365, head here.