The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has reached a thrilling stage, with the mid-table battle intensifying after Gujarat Titans’ victory over Chennai Super Kings. With only one team, Kolkata Knight Riders, securing a playoff berth, the remaining nine teams are vying for the remaining three spots.
Gujarat Titans’ morale-boosting win has opened up the tournament, with Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gujarat Titans still in contention for the top four. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals are currently tied on 12 points, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have kept their hopes alive with four consecutive wins.
Chennai Super Kings:
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings are in a comfortable position, sitting fourth on the points table with a superior net run rate (+0.491). They face Rajasthan Royals at home on Sunday and play their final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18.
If CSK wins both their remaining games, they will likely qualify for the playoffs due to their superior NRR. However, if they win only one, they will need the winner of the Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants game to lose their other fixture. If CSK loses both games, they will be eliminated from the tournament.
Delhi Capitals:
Delhi Capitals are currently fifth on the standings with 12 points and a NRR of (-0.316). They face Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants in their remaining two games.
To qualify directly, DC must win both their games and hope that CSK loses at least one of their remaining games. If they tie with CSK at 16 points, NRR will come into play, which currently favors CSK. If Delhi wins one game and gets stuck at 14 points, they will hope CSK loses both their matches and LSG loses at least one to squeeze into the playoffs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have an outside shot at a playoff berth. They can reach a maximum of 14 points if they win their remaining two games. However, they need other results to go their way to finish in the top four.
If RCB wins their last two matches and reaches 14 points, they would need CSK to lose against RR, DC to go down against LSG, LSG to suffer defeat against MI, and GT to lose at least one of their remaining games. With this, RCB and LSG would be tied at 14 points, and the team with the superior NRR will go through.
