IPL 2021: The race for the playoffs in IPL 2021 has become more interesting. Bangalore defeated Punjab to become the third team to qualify for the playoffs yesterday. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals have already made it to the playoffs.
There is only one place left in the playoffs. According to the data, any one of the three teams of Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals can take the place. Punjab also have a chance to qualify, but it has become more of a maths game for them than cricket.
Kolkata Knight Riders have made a great comeback in this second phase of IPL. They may not have qualified according to the points table after yesterday’s win against Hyderabad, but they have certainly solidified their claim for the same. Having played 13 matches, KKR still have 12 points and are in the fourth position i.e. the last qualifying position in the points table.
Kolkata has the highest chance of making it to the playoffs.
If Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata win their last league match against Rajasthan on Thursday, their playoffs are almost certain. This is because his net run rate (0.294) is the best among the three teams.
However, Even after losing this match, Kolkata team will have a chance to qualify. If Rajasthan loses to Mumbai on Tuesday and Mumbai to Hyderabad on Friday, Kolkata will easily reach the playoffs.
Rajasthan have to win both the matches.
The next two matches of Rajasthan are extremely tough. The team is currently on the sixth position in the points table with 10 points after 12 matches. Rajasthan will qualify for the playoffs if they win both their matches against Mumbai and Kolkata. For Rajasthan, defeating Kolkata is more important than winning against Mumbai. If Rajasthan loses to Kolkata, it will be out of the race for the playoffs.
Although Rajasthan’s net run rate (-0.337) is extremely poor, the easiest equation for them to reach the playoffs is to win the next two matches.
Mumbai’s future is to be decided on the outcome of the match between Rajasthan and Kolkata.
Mumbai is currently at the seventh position in the points table with 10 points. Qualifying for the playoffs for Rohit Sharma’s team depends not only on his victories but also on the matches in Rajasthan and Kolkata. On Tuesday, Mumbai will have to beat Rajasthan first. After this they will have to hope that Rajasthan will win their next match against Kolkata.
Not only this, they also have to beat Hyderabad in their last league match so that they can qualify for the playoffs without worrying about the run rate. Lastly, when it comes to the run rate, things don’t look so good for Mumbai (-0.453).
.