Image Credit- BCCI
There are just 14 games remaining in the IPL 2024 league stage, and as of right now, neither a club has advanced to the postseason nor been eliminated. This is a comparison of all the teams’ qualification possibilities.
Kolkata Knight Riders
With 16 points already secured and a stellar 1.453 net run rate, the Kolkata Knight Riders are virtually guaranteed a spot in the postseason. In the worst situation, they would drop their next three games and remain on the 16-spot. Three more teams have a chance to advance to the round of eighteen: the Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and one of the Lucknow Super Giants or Sunrisers Hyderabad. If they do, KKR and LSG or SRH will compete for the fourth playoff position. Alternatively, with Royals and CSK already qualified, there might be a four-way tie for two berths in the round of 16, if Delhi Capitals win their next two games. If KKR wins another game and advances, they can avoid all the NRR issues.
Rajasthan Royals
The Royals, like KKR, are only one victory away from guaranteeing qualification. In the event that they lose their final three games, NRR may decide who finishes last—between two teams or, as with KKR, between two teams and four teams. The Royals still have two home games left, but they will be in Guwahati rather than Jaipur, where they have won four of their previous five meetings.
Chennai Super Kings
With 12 points, CSK is one of four teams vying for position in the middle of the table. However, they have the only positive net run rate among the four, which might be a big benefit. Regardless of other outcomes, three victories will guarantee qualification; but, if they lose one, it may come down to run rates, since six teams have the potential to finish with 16 or more points. A contest for two spots might result in up to six teams finishing with 14 points, making it a messy affair.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The final three games for SRH are all at home against clubs that are lower than them in the standings (albeit in LSG’s case, the difference is merely in run-rate). Given that both teams are on 12 after 11 games, the upcoming game versus LSG will be quite important. Although a victory would greatly increase their prospects, they won’t be safe with 14 points because up to six clubs might finish with that many.
Lucknow Super Giants
In terms of points and games left, LSG and SRH are in exact sync. However, there is a big distinction between the two teams: LSG plays their final three games away from home, at Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai. Wins against such clubs will not only improve LSG’s chances but also hurt those teams’ chances because two of those games are against teams with identical point totals. Six clubs can still qualify with 16 points, but it’s not a given.
Delhi Capitals
The Capitals have played an additional game, but they are one of four teams on 12. As a result, they are limited to 16, but those on 12 can still strive for 18. Even if the Capitals end with 16 points, you might have four clubs on 18 or more if SRH and CSK win their remaining games. However, if other outcomes go their way, 14 points might be sufficient for qualification without even taking into account NRR.
The Rest
All four of the remaining clubs are within eight points of each other. The Mumbai Indians are the last team remaining in the race with 12 games played, and they are clinging on by the thinnest of margins as seven teams might still be tied for first place with 12 games played. If SRH defeats LSG on Wednesday night, or if their game is blown out and points are shared, that thread will break.
Without using NRR, the remaining three clubs can still get 14 points and make it to the playoffs.