Punjab Kings lost to Rajasthan Royals in Match 66 of IPL 2023. As a result, they became the third team, after Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, to be eliminated from the race for playoffs.

With 18 points in 13 matches, Gujarat Titans are the only team to have qualified for the playoffs (and even in Qualifier 1). However, the other three playoffs spots are still wide open.

There are six teams competing for these spots – Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Here are their qualification scenarios.

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

Remaining games: Delhi Capitals (away)

Chennai will qualify if they beat Delhi. Their net run rate (+0.381) is better than Lucknow’s (0.304), but Lucknow play their last match after Chennai. If both teams win, the one with the better net run rate will face Gujarat in Qualifier 1.

On the other hand, if Chennai lose, they will have to hope for at least two of Lucknow, Mumbai, and Bangalore to lose their respective last matches.

Lucknow Super Giants – 15 points from 13 games, NRR 0.304

Remaining games: Kolkata Knight Riders (away)

Lucknow’s scenario is exactly the same as Chennai’s, though – as mentioned above – they have the advantage of playing later at night to make up for any net run rate deficiency.

Mumbai Indians – 14 points from 13 games, NRR: NRR -0.128

Remaining games: Sunrisers Hyderabad (home)

If Mumbai win, they will qualify if at least one of Chennai, Lucknow, and Bangalore lose their last matches. If all three teams win, Mumbai will have to win by a colossal margin to ensure their net run rate (-0.128) is above Bangalore’s (+0.180).

If Chennai, Lucknow, and Bangalore all lose their last matches, a Mumbai win will take them to Qualifier 1.

If Mumbai lose, they will be eliminated, for they will behind Gujarat, Chennai, Lucknow, and Rajasthan.

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

Remaining games: Lucknow Super Giants (home)

Kolkata have to finish by a humongous margin to ensure their net run rate (-0.256) is above Rajasthan’s (+0.148). Once that happens, they will have to hope for Mumbai to lose, and Bangalore to lose big.

Rajasthan Royals – 14 points from 14 games, NRR: 0.148

All games completed

Their league matches done, Rajasthan will now hope for Bangalore to lose in a way that their net run rate (+0.180) drops below +0.148. They will also have to back Hyderabad to beat Mumbai and Lucknow to not lose terribly to Kolkata.

Royal Challengers Bangalore – 14 points from 13 games, NRR: 0.180

Remaining games: Gujarat Titans (home)

If Bangalore beat Gujarat, they qualify unless Mumbai (-0.128) beat Hyderabad by an absurd margin. If they lose, they cannot finish below Rajasthan (+0.148), and will have to back Hyderabad to beat Mumbai.

If Chennai and Lucknow both lose their last matches, Bangalore may even make it to Qualifier 1.

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