As the IPL 2024 group stage gets closer, all eyes are on the points table, calculating which club will have a better chance of making the playoffs.
Every game matters, and there is intense competition. The top four spots are still up for grabs, even though certain teams appear to have an advantage. The glued-to-the-screen fans won’t miss any games that could upset the standings. There’s no denying the intensity on the field as teams compete. Here are some factors that could determine whether a club advances to the playoffs:.
1. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
With 16 points from 10 games, the Rajasthan Royals are comfortably positioned to make the playoffs. If they lose their next four games, up to four clubs with 18 points or more might overtake them. They therefore need to win one more game to guarantee their status in the playoffs, even if they are currently in a strong position.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Following an amazing victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, the Kolkata Knight Riders have all but guaranteed a postseason spot. With sixteen points from eleven games, they are presently leading the standings. Their advantage over rivals puts them in a comfortable position.
3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
The Lucknow Super Giants, who are now ranked fifth in the standings, have won six games to total 12 points. Their next matches against MI, DC, and SRH are very important. In order to improve their chances of making the playoffs, LSG has to win two of these key games. Their qualification would depend on the results of the matches played by the other teams if they were to win just one of the three.
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad are now fourth in the IPL 2024 points standings after winning six of their last 10 games. They scored a total of 12 points. The matches they have coming up against MI, LSG, GT, and PBKS are very important. SRH has to win three of these next four games in order to bolster their hopes of making the playoffs. If they only win two games, the performances of the other clubs in the competition will determine whether they make the playoffs.
5. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans, with eight points, are in eighth place in the standings. With a current net run rate of -1.320, they are well behind other teams. This lower net run rate means that even if they win every game they have left to achieve 14 points, their chances of making the playoffs are still quite remote. The Gujarat Titans’ current standings make it extremely difficult for them to make it to the playoffs.
6. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
In 11 games played thus far, Punjab Kings has 8 points. If they win their next three games, they’ll climb to 14 points. Their route to the IPL 2024 playoffs is still unknown, though, much like that of other bottom-dwelling teams. Even if Punjab Kings managed to drop a few games, they would still have to rely on other clubs’ outcomes to qualify.
7. Delhi Capitals (DC)
With 10 points from 11 games, Delhi Capitals are now ranked sixth, but their low net run rate presents a problem. They need to win as many games as they can in the final three, two of which are against clubs with higher rankings. Winning all three games is the best chance to qualify, but for DC to improve their chances of making the playoffs, victories over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Lucknow Super Giants are very important.
8. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
With just 12 points from 11 games, the Chennai Super Kings are in danger of missing the playoffs. In order to improve their prospects, they need to win their next two games. In three of their last four games, they have faced lower-tier opposition, including the Rajasthan Royals. If they win their next two games, they could have a big advantage over KKR and LSG if they lose their respective games.
9. Mumbai Indians (MI)
After losing to Kolkata Knight Riders on May 3, the Mumbai Indians’ disastrous IPL 2024 campaign came to an end. They are all but out of the playoff race, with eight losses in eleven games and just six points. The Mumbai-based team’s difficult IPL season is about to come to an end with the official confirmation of their elimination, which is expected soon.
Also read: Scenarios for IPL 2024 Qualification: How can the Mumbai Indians make the playoffs?
10. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Despite their current vulnerable position, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are still in the running for the playoffs. With eight points, they are now in seventh place on the standings after their latest victory over the Gujarat Titans. RCB needs to win three more games in order to have a genuine chance of qualifying for the playoffs. By doing this, they would have 14 points overall. Although getting 12 points might also result in the playoffs, certain favorable circumstances would need to come to pass.