IPL 2024 Playoff Race: 4 matches to go, 2 teams still in fray for 1 remaining spot

IPL 2024 Playoff Race: It’s the deciding week of IPL 2024. With just 4 matches left, just two teams are still in the race to seal a playoff spot. However, as Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have confirmed their place in the Last 2, only one spot is up for grabs. RCB and CSK are all in the race. The two heavyweights will meet in a virtual eliminator on May 18. The likes of DC, MI, GT, PBKS, and LSG are already eliminated from the competition.

Now, looking at the points table, Kolkata Knight Riders occupy the top spot with 9 wins from 13 games. At the second spot is Rajasthan Royals are stuck with 8 wins after a four consecutive defeats. On the other hand Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a late surge, winning five matches in a row to remain alive in the race.

IPL 2024 Points Table

Teams in the race

Chennai Super Kings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Kolkata Knight Riders qualification scenario (Q)

Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team to qualify for the playoffs with their win against MI, KKR are currently on the top of the table with 19 points and nine wins to their name. They are confirmed to finish the league stages as table-toppers.

Remaining Fixtures

RR vs KKR on May 19

Rajasthan Royals qualification scenario (+0.273)

Rajasthan Royals have suffered a slump in the form with four consecutive losses. With 8 wins and 5 losses, they are placed second on the points table with 16 points.

However, all RR need is just a win in last game to play the Qualifier 1 vs KKR.

Remaining Fixtures

RR vs KKR on May 19

Chennai Super Kings qualification scenario (+0.528)

Under new captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings have ebbed and flowed this season. But a win against RR at home have kept their hopes alive.

With just a match remaining, it will be a virtual knockout for CSK against RCB. A loss in Bengaluru can still see them through if RCB fail to surpass their NRR.

Remaining Fixtures

RCB vs CSK on May 18

Sunrisers Hyderabad qualification scenario (+0.406)

Good news for Sunrisers Hyderabad as they have become only the third team to clinch the playoff spot. With 7 wins and 5 losses, they have 15 points under their belt. SRH have one match remaining, i.e., against PBKS. If SRH win their game against Punjab and RR lose their game vs KKR, SRH will end up in top two. With rain spoiling the SRH vs GT game, SRH’s chances of finishing in top two are no longer in their hands.

Remaining Fixtures

SRH vs PBKS on May 19

Lucknow Super Giants qualification scenario (-0.787)

Following the washed out game between SRH and GT, LSG have now eliminated from the playoff chances. This is because LSG’s NRR (-0.787) is so poor that even if they beat MI by 300 runs, they won’t be able to go past both CSK & RCB on NRR.

Remaining Matches
MI vs LSG on May 17

Delhi Capitals qualification scenario (-0.377)

Delhi Capitals have also been eliminated on the backdrop of the washed out game. They gained 14 points after as many games and have finished off their campaign with a unfortunate loss.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru qualification scenario (+0.387)

And Royal Challengers Bengaluru are back in the race. After a disastrous start, Faf du Plessis and Co have raked up five wins on the trot to occupy the 6th spot. However, they are not out of the woods yet. RCB vs CSK will be a virtual knockout for them.

However, even a win alone won’t guarantee them a spot. RCB need to surpass CSK’s NRR.

Remaining Matches

RCB vs CSK on May 18

Gujarat Titans qualification scenario (E)

IPL 2024 campaign hasn’t been good for the last 2 season’s finalists. Shubman Gill and Co have been rather poor with just 5 wins and 7 losses. GT were officially eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoff race after they saw persistent rain abandon Match 63 vs KKR and Match 66 vs SRH.

Punjab Kings qualification scenario (E)

Punjab Kings became the first team who got knocked out after facing a humiliating defeat by 60 runs against RCB. With 4 wins and 8 losses, PBKS are placed 8th on the points table. For Sam Curran and Co, the job is finished.

They can’t reach the top 4, but they can surely disrupt other teams hard work. Looking at the fixtures, since there is a traffic jam-like scenario at the points table, they can certainly break other teams dreams, especially SRH, who will need to win their game against PBKS in order to give themselves a chance to end up in Top two.

Remaining Matches

SRH vs PBKS on May 19

Mumbai Indians qualification scenario (E)

Mumbai Indians have become the second side to be knocked out of IPL 2024. This comes after SRH defeated LSG my a massive 10-wicket margin. Pandya and co. have managed to win only 4 games and have 8 points to their name. Their loss to KKR comes as the final nail in the coffin as Hardik Pandya and co are all but knocked out.