IPL 2023 | Qualification Scenarios for Play-offs

image-lhg20601MS Dhoni [AP Photos]

Nearly halfway through the tournament, we saw some spirited team performances in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). From the last-over heroics from Rinku Sharma to Abdul Samad's lucky reprieve, which sealed the deal for SRH, we have seen teams battle it out. However, whilst some teams have nearly confirmed their spot in the playoffs, others are not so lucky as they are waging a long battle to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

As we approach the business end of the cash-rich league, let us closely evaluate how the teams can qualify for the playoffs and the challenges ahead of them. 



# 1 Gujarat Titans

The defending champions are in phenomenal form this year and are well and truly on their way to winning their second consecutive IPL title. They are towering over the points table with eight wins, with an impressive NRR of 0.951. After registering a crushing victory over LSG in their preceding fixture, Gujarat Titans are on the verge of clinching the first spot in the IPL 2023 playoffs. They have gained 16 points in 11 games and are just one win from sealing their playoff spot. GT will head to Wankhede to face off against MI on May 12. 

# 2 Chennai Super Kings

The four-time IPL champions have fared well in the tournament and are currently ranked number 2 in the points table. They have accumulated 13 points in 11 games and have a healthy NRR of 0.409. Their win against MI in the prior fixture has undoubtedly improved their chances of cutting. They require two more wins in the three games to make the playoffs. However, they will need to better their NRR if they are to qualify with a total of 17 points. They will face off against DC in their next encounter on May 10.

# 3 Lucknow Super Giants

LSG has had some bittersweet moments in this year's IPL edition. They are ranked third in the points table, with an NRR of 0.294. Despite their loss to GT, LSG still holds the 3rd spot with 11 points from 11 games. However, they still have some catching up to do, as they need to win their last three games by a sizeable margin and improve their NRR to make it to the playoffs. They will lock horns against SRH in the next fixture on May 13. 

# 4 Rajasthan Royals

The royals are going through a rough patch as they suffered their 3rd consecutive defeat in the last five games. Besides, their loss against SRH in their previous fixture wouldn't have helped their cause either, as Sandeep Sharma's no-ball in the last ball of the over resulted in a narrow 4-wicket victory for SRH. They are currently ranked at the number 4 spot with an NRR of 0.388. The team has 10 points in 11 games and is at a high risk of crashing out of the playoff contention. The team must now win all their remaining matches and hope other results work in their favour. After that, they will head to Eden Gardens to face off against KKR in their upcoming fixture on May 11.

# 5 Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB find themselves midway in the points table with 10 points under their belt. However, their NRR took a beating following their defeat against DC on May 6. Their NRR stands at -0.209. RCB's colossal defeat against DC the other day has tremendously undermined their chances of sealing the 3rd spot in the playoffs. However, the team can still make it to the playoffs if they win all their remaining four matches or if they secure 16 points and other results go their way. They will face MI in their next encounter on May 9.

# 6 Mumbai Indians

The 5-time IPL champions are at a high risk of crashing out of the tournament. They have found the going tough and have only accumulated 10 points in 10 matches. They find themselves sitting at the number 6 position with a dismal-looking NRR of -0.454. Their loss against CSK by six wickets has put MI in a precarious place. They have no other option but to win all their remaining games and hope all the other results go their way. They will take on RCB in their next encounter on May 9. 

# 7 Punjab Kings

As we approach the fag end of the points table, PBKS have a mountain to climb. They are ranked 7 in the points table and have achieved only 10 points in 10 games. Their NRR is even more concerning, standing at -0.472. Despite their recent loss against Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings are still in contention for a spot in the playoffs. They will need to win their remaining four games and also need to ensure that they improve their NRR in the process. PBKS will face KKR in their next fixture on May 8. 

# 8 Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR has had a topsy-turvy ride in this year's IPL tournament. They are ranked number 8 in the points table with just four wins. With just 8 points to their name, KKR have their back against the wall and will need to win their remaining four games by a significant margin while anticipating the other results to go their way. Another defeat in their campaign can officially end their journey to the playoffs. They will host PBKS in their next encounter on May 8.

# 9 Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH are currently one of the worst-ranked teams and finds themselves languishing at the number 9 spot. With a deteriorating loss of form, they face the possibility of an inevitable elimination from the playoffs. However, a last-ball thriller win against RR the other night kept their playoff hopes alive, but barely. And with just four games remaining, SRH needs to win all of them to reach 16 points and hope that the other results also fall in their favour. They will face LSG in the next encounter on May 13. 

# 10 Delhi Capitals

DC are right at the bottom of the points table only four wins to their name. Their NRR is in shambles, currently standing at -0.529. Capitals have had a horrible season so far, and any hopes of them making it to the playoffs seem rather grim. However, their victory against RCB in their preceding fixture keeps their playoff hopes intact. To make it to the playoffs, DC need to do the unthinkable and win their remaining games whilst hoping that the other results go their way. They will take on CSK in their next encounter at Chepauk on May 10.