IPL 2024 Playoffs: A Game of Musical Chairs - Who Gets Left Out?

The competition to secure a berth in the playoffs of the coveted IPL, 2024, has thickened as the marquee T20 tournament is approaching its business end. With less than ten crucial remaining matches in IPL 2024, the two-time champions of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) become the first squad that qualifies to be in the playoffs for this season. On the contrary side, the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Gujrat Titans (GT), and Mumbai Indians (MI) are now out of the playoffs race after their poor performance in the series this edition.

The remaining three berths for the IPL 2024 playoffs are still up for grabs for six more clubs.

In light of this, we examine the possibilities that allow any club that is still in the running for a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs to still qualify.

1. Rajasthan Royals:

In the IPL 2024 league stage, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are the clear favorites to place in the top two, despite their three straight losses. The Royals have a net run rate of +0.349 and are ranked second in the rankings after 12 games played with 16 points.

The Royals, captained by Sanju Samson, will still play the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 19 and the Punjab Kings on May 15. To make the playoffs, they must win at least one of their remaining games. If the Royals win both matches, they will finish in the top two. Even yet, RR is still anticipated to qualify because of their superior NRR, even if they lose both games.

Played: 12 matches

Points: 16, NRR: +0.349

Remaining matches with: PBKS (H), KKR (H)

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

In the IPL 2024 rankings, the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are ranked third. CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, has 14 points after seven victories, six defeats, and one tie so far this season. In their last match, the five-time IPL winners will play Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). All that CSK has to do to go into the IPL 2024 playoffs is defeat RCB on May 18 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.

If CSK wins on Saturday, they will finish in the top four with a net run-rate of +0.528. If they lose, though, CSK must make sure that they don't behind by more than 18 runs or give RCB 18.1 overs to pursue. Additionally, CSK must hope that SRH and LSH forfeit their planned.

Played: 13,

Points: 14, NRR: +0.528

Remaining matches: RCB (A)

3. SunRisers Hyderabad:

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) is among the other teams that might place in the top two this season. SRH has a net run-rate of +0.406 and is ranked fourth in the IPL 2024 rankings after 12 games played with 14 points. The Pat Cummins-led team's next two games are at home in Hyderabad against the Gujarat Titans (May 16) and Punjab Kings (May 19).

To guarantee their place in the playoffs, SRH must win at least one of their remaining games. They might push KKR and RR to place in the top two if they win all of their games. On the other hand, teams like CSK, RCB, or even LSG may finish ahead of them if they lose both games.

Played: 12,

Points: 14, NRR: +0.406

Remaining matches: GT (H), PBKS (H)

4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru:

In order to be in the running for the playoffs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced an incredible comeback in the IPL 2024. With 12 points from 13 games, RCB has won five straight games after winning only one of their first seven games. This has helped them climb to fifth place in the rankings.

RCB must first defeat CSK by 18 runs or chase in 18.1 overs on Saturday to guarantee a higher NRR than the reigning champions in order to advance to the playoffs. RCB will need more outcomes even after a victory in order to make it into the playoffs. The teams led by Faf du Plessis must lose both of their matches. In addition, they need LSG to lose one of their remaining games.

Played: 13,

Points: 12, NRR: +0.387

Remaining matches: CSK (H)

5. Delhi Capitals:

Although there is still a statistical chance for the Delhi Capitals to make it to the IPL 2024 playoffs, it is quite improbable that Rishabh Pant's team would place among the top four. With a net run-rate of -0.482, the Capitals' IPL 2024 season is nearly over, currently sitting below that of CSK, SRH, and RCB.

In ord must lose both of their upcoming games by enormous scores for the Caps to win. DC will also need LSG to lose to MI and CSK to defeat RCB.

Played: 1er for DC to make a stunning run into the IPL 2024 playoffs, they must first defeat LSG by a significant margin in order to raise their net run rate. Additionally, SRHrun rate3,

Points: 12, NRR: -0.482

Remaining matches: LSG (H)

6. Lucknow Super Giants:

There are more teams that might place in the top four, including the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The KL Rahul-led team is ranked seventh in the IPL 2024 standings with 12 points from 12 games. But LSG's last two league games are against the struggling Delhi Capitals (May 14) and Mumbai Indians (May 17).

Due to their subpar net run-rate of -0.769, LSG must win both of their next games in order to qualify for the playoffs. To increase their NRR, they must also win both games by enormous margins. They may still finish outside the top four even if they win both games if CSK and SRH conclude the league stage with 16 points since they have a superior record.

Played: 12,

Points: 12, NRR: -0.769

Remaining matches: DC (A), MI (A)