With only 8 more matches left in the group stage of IPL 2024, the playoffs race is heading towards an exciting climax. Only one team -- KKR - has booked its spot in the playoffs. As many as 7 teams are in the race for three spots in the top rour. CSK and RCB emerged victorious on Super Sunday, beating Rajasthan and Delhi, respectively at home. CSK and RCB will meet in their final league game in Bengaluru on Saturday and the expectation for the big-ticket clash has hit the roof. It's likely that one of them will sneak through to the playoffs. However, there is a chance that both of them can go through to the playoffs.
Only MI and PBKS have been eliminated from the playoffs race as IPL 2024 heads into its final week in the league phase. Gujarat, who are at the 8th spot with 10 points in 12 games, have an outside chance.
LSG, who are in the 7th spot with 12 points from 12 games, have more than just an outside chance. However, Delhi's chances took a big hit after they lost by 47 runs to RCB on Sunday. Delhi were without their charismatic captain Rishabh Pant, who was banned for Sunday's match after over-rate offences.
As we head into the last leg of the league stage, SunRisers, who are at the 3rd spot, CSK, who are at the 4th spot, and RCB, who rose to the 5th spot after the fifth straight win, are frontrunners in the race to the top 4 due to their healthy Net Run Rate.
Before we look at how both CSK and RCB can sneak through to the playoffs, here's a quick look at the points table after the 62nd match -- RCB's win over DC in Bengaluru.
Here's a look at the remainder of the fixtures in IPL 2024
GT vs KKR in Ahmedabad on May 13, Monday
DC vs LSG in Delhi on May 14, Tuesday
RR vs PBKS in Guwahati on May 15, Wednesday
SRH vs GT in Hyderabad on May 16, Thursday
MI vs LSG in Mumbai on May 17, Friday
RCB vs CSK in Bengaluru on May 18, Saturday
SRH vs PBKS in Hyderabad on May 19, Sunday
RR vs KKR in Guwahati on May 19, Sunday
Okay, what are the realistic chances of both CSK and RCB finishing in the top 4?
Well, a lot of other results have to go in their favour if both teams are to sneak through to the playoffs.
In their meeting on Saturday, RCB should beat CSK, but not by a big margin. CSK's Net Run Rate should not take a big hit even if the Super Kings lose in Bengaluru.
First and foremost, SRH should lose both their remaining matches (against GT and PBKS at home) and remain on 14 points. SRH would have to lose by big margins. This looks unlikely as SRH have been in fine form at home and would start both matches as favourites. Pat Cummins and his men will be looking to challenge for the top 2.
If SRH win even one of their remaining two matches, life becomes more difficult for the likes of CSK, RCB, DC, LSG and GT as they will left to battle for just one spot.
However, as we continue to explore the possibility of a CSK vs RCB Eliminator, here are the other results that needs to fall in place.
Gujarat lose to Kolkata in Ahmedabad on Monday and beat SunRisers.
Delhi beat Lucknow in the crunch clash on Tuesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Lucknow lose to Mumbai in Mumbai on Friday or Lucknow beat Mumbai by not a big margin
If all the above results happen as mentioned, as many as 4 or 5 teams will be tied on 14 points.
Here's how the points table would look at the end of the league stage.
1. KKR - 20/22 - points
2. RR - 18/20 - points
3. CSK/RCB - 14 - points
4.RCB/CSK - 14 - points
5.SRH - 14 - points
6.DC - 14 - points
7.LSG - 14/12 points
8.GT - 10/12 points
9.PBKS - 8/10 points
10. MI - 10 points
Well, the likes of Lucknow and Delhi have their work cut out while Gujarat are hanging in there with a faint chance. The last week of the league stages promises to be a blinder. Fasten your seat belts.
