IPL 2023 Playoff Qualification Scenario Explained: In the southern derby, RCB beat SRH for the first time in Hyderabad, mainly because of a brilliant century from Virat Kohli assisted by consistent Faf du Plessis, boosting their playoff chances. They have moved up to the fourth spot displacing MI at the fifth spot and the race is on. MI need to win their last game and LSG and CSK need to win their last league games to secure passage to the playoffs.
What are the qualifying marks in IPL 2023?
The playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) are contested by the top four teams in the points table at the end of the league stage. The playoffs consist of Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the Final. To qualify for the playoffs, a team has to finish in the top four of the points table. If two or more teams are tied on points, the Net Run Rate (NRR) is used to determine their position.
The safe point threshold for an IPL team to secure a playoff berth is usually between 16 and 18 points. However, the exact limit may vary depending on the performance of other teams in the tournament. Generally, teams aim to accumulate as many points as possible to ensure a comfortable position in the top four and avoid last-minute uncertainties.
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Here’s what the qualification scenarios are for all the teams currently:
Gujarat Titans (13 matches, 18 points)
Gujarat Titans have not only sealed their place in the playoffs but have also sealed a top-two finish with a thumping win over SRH on Monday. His exceptional performance has earned him a place in the much-anticipated Qualifier 1. Looking forward, their last league game against RCB becomes crucial.
While a must-win situation for RCB to keep their playoff hopes alive, Gujarat Titans will be aiming to maintain their winning momentum and grab another win.
Remaining matches of Gujarat Titans:
May 21: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Chennai Super Kings (13 matches, 15 points)
CSK’s remaining match against DC in Delhi means a lot for them. While they are in a relatively safe position for a playoff berth, CSK aim to eliminate any margin for error and seal the deal with a win. A win would take them up to 17 points, guaranteed to finish no lower than third in the standings regardless of other game results.
If CSK manages to win against DC, MI will not be able to overtake CSK even with a win against SRH. LSG will also have an opportunity to match CSK’s tally of 17 points with a win in their last game.
However, a loss to DC will leave CSK vulnerable to 15 points. MI will need to win their last game against SRH to overtake CSK. Additionally, if LSG, now tied on points with CSK due to their win over MI, secure a win in their last league game while CSK lose to DC, LSG can claim the coveted second spot .
Another possibility arises where RCB can overtake CSK if CSK loses to DC, and RCB manages to win both their remaining matches. RCB has already defeated SRH and is ready to face GT. So this could potentially be the end of the road for CSK and MS Dhoni this season.
Remaining matches of Chennai Super Kings
May 20: vs Delhi Capitals
IPL Points Table Update, SRH vs RCB
Will Lucknow Supergiants be able to make it to the top 4 of IPL 2023? (13 matches, 15 points)
Despite a crucial win against MI, LSG’s playoff spot is yet to be secured. To ensure a safe passage, they will need to win their final league game against KKR, with a target of 17 points in total. If CSK lose their last game then it will give them the second spot. However, if CSK emerge victorious, then LSG can secure the third spot with a win against KKR.
However, if LSG falls short against KKR, MI can beat SRH and overtake them. RCB also remain in contention provided they avoid dropping points in their last two matches.
In the event that LSG lose to KKR, their hopes rest on two outcomes: first, MI drop points to SRH, and second, RCB lose their last league game against GT.
Should LSG lose their last game, while both MI and RCB are victorious in all their matches, MI and RCB qualify for the playoffs, eliminating LSG.
Remaining matches of Lucknow Super Giants:
May 20: vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Do Mumbai Indians have a chance to qualify for the playoffs? (13 matches, 14 points)
MI’s upcoming game against SRH has turned into a must-win situation, especially after RCB’s win against SRH. With both MI and RCB able to reach 16 points, the stage is set for an intense battle for the final playoff slot. MI’s best-case scenario involves CSK and LSG losing their last league games, allowing MI to cross them if they emerge victorious against SRH.
However, if MI lose to SRH, then the results of CSK and LSG become unimportant for MI. In that case, MI will be banking on RCB having suffered a crucial defeat against GT. RCB’s dominant win has boosted their net run rate, and if both RCB and MI falter in their final league games, RCB could potentially qualify on the basis of a better net run rate.
Even a win for MI doesn’t guarantee qualification, as RCB’s win against GT will put the spotlight on the net run-rate to determine the fourth playoff spot. Based on the current outlook, RCB will retain the lead in this scenario.
An MI defeat will also ensure playoff qualification for both CSK and LSG.
How can Mumbai Indians reach the last four of IPL 2023?
Remaining matches of Mumbai Indians
May 21: Vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
How can RCB qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2023? (12 matches, 12 points)
RCB now need to win over GT and hope MI lose to SRH in their last league game. In that case, RCB cannot hold any position below fourth in the league stage.
If CSK and LSG lose their last games so a GT win is a must, RCB have a chance to finish in the top two. If RCB manage to win against GT, then a Mumbai Indians win will not be enough for the five-time champions to overtake RCB.
If RCB lose to GT, they will be stuck on 14 points, and in that case, CSK and LSG will be through to the playoffs and MI will have a chance to overtake RCB with a win over SRH.
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If RCB and MI lose, then KKR, RR and PBKS – all with 12 points with a game to play – will be in the mix but they will need to win big for NRR to be promoted. Today, the fate of RR and PBKS will be decided as one team will be eliminated and the other will remain in the hunt with a slim chance of qualification depending on the results.
Remaining matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore
May 21: vs Gujarat Titans
How can RR qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs? (13 matches, 12 points)
It is straightforward now for RR, winning their last league game against PBKS today and reaching 14 points and then hope MI and RCB also lose their respective league games. Even that might not be enough given the superior RCB’s superior run rate. RR has to demolish PBKS to engage in dialogue. On the other hand, the criteria for him is losses for both RCB and MI.
Remaining matches of Rajasthan Royals:
May 19: Vs Punjab Kings
How can KKR qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs? (13 matches, 12 points)
KKR will face LSG in the last league and a win will take them to 14 points. That mark would theoretically keep them alive in the race for the playoffs, but realistically they would have to see MI and RCB lose their last game to stand a chance of qualification. And, similar to RR’s plight, NRR will be a huge deterrent for KKR.
But for all this to happen, KKR need a win tomorrow.
Remaining matches for Kolkata Knight Riders:
May 20: vs Lucknow Super Giants
How can PBKS qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs? (13 matches, 12 points)
As straightforward as that is for RR, so is it for PBKS, win their last league game against RR today and reach 14 points, and then expect MI and RCB to also lose their respective league games. Even that might not be enough given the superior RCB’s superior run rate. PBKS needs to collapse PBKS in order to be included in the conversation. On the other hand, the criteria for him is losses for both RCB and MI.
If MI win their game against SRH then it will be curtains for PBKS, RR and KKR.
Remaining matches for Punjab Kings:
May 19: vs Rajasthan Royals
How can SRH qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs? (12 matches, 8 points)
SRH are out of the race for the playoffs but a win in their last game against MI will dent their opponent’s chances of qualification.
Remaining matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad
May 18: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
May 21: Vs Mumbai Indians
How can DC qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs? (13 matches, 10 points)
Delhi are out of the playoff race but a win in their last match against CSK will make things interesting.
Remaining matches for Delhi Capitals
May 20: vs Chennai Super Kings