Lucknow Super Giants’ defeat to Delhi Capitals yesterday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium not only had the visitors’ chance of IPL 2024 playoff qualification go up in the air, but it also ensured Rajasthan Royals became the second team after Kolkata Knight Riders to seal a playoff spot.
With six more matches to go, three teams are officially out of the IPL 2024 playoff race while two have sealed theirs in the top 4, bringing the equation down to 2 spots up for grabs and 5 teams fighting for it. Here’s a look at the possible IPL 2024 playoff qualification scenarios and what the teams have to do.
With the IPL 2024 league stage nearing its conclusion, the race for playoff qualification has intensified. Let’s delve into the scenarios and the teams vying for the remaining two spots:
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Secure Their Place
Rajasthan Royals became the second team to qualify for the playoffs after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). RR currently sits second in the points table with 16 points. Their remaining match against KKR could determine who finishes at the top of the table.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Lead the Pack of the IPL 2024 points table
KKR, with 19 points, has already secured a playoff berth and is at the top of the IPL 2024 points table. They will either finish as table-toppers or the second-placed team, ensuring their place in Qualifier 1 at Chennai. If they lose in Qualifier 1, they’ll move to Qualifier 2, awaiting the winner of the Eliminator for another shot at the final.
CSK are currently placed third in the points table with 14 points
The LSG loss has made the equation clearer for CSK. Win against RCB and confirm a playoff spot. If CSK manage a win over RCB on Saturday, SRH is the only team that can push CSK down the points table, and CSK cannot go below 4th place if they have 16 points in their kitty. However, a loss to RCB will make things tricky for CSK. They will remain on 14 points and if their margin of defeat is more than 18 runs (if RCB bats first and scores 200 runs), then RCB will leapfrog CSK in the points table. In that case, CSK will hope SRH loses their remaining two games and both CSK and RCB will make it through to the playoff.
SRH is currently placed fourth in the IPL 2024 points table with 14 points
SRH has two games in hand and needs one win to seal the third playoff spot. If they manage to win both their games, they have the chance to finish in the top- two, provided RR loses both their game or loses at least one. But that is not something SRH will be focusing right now. If SRH loses both their remaining games and CSK beats RCB or vice-versa, SRH will be vulnerable, and the final playoff spot could very well be decided on the net Rate. Even though SRH’s NRR is far better than their closest competitors’, the Pat Cummins-led side would not want to go down that path.
The Battle for the Remaining Spots
Two teams, the Punjab Kings and the Mumbai Indians, have been eliminated from the playoff race. The remaining six teams—Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals—are locked in a fierce battle for the third and fourth playoff spots.
What’s Next?
As the league stage unfolds, keep an eye on the IPL 2024 Orange Cap and Purple Cap contenders. The excitement continues as teams fight for their spot in the playoffs.
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Nikhil Malhotra 
