IPL 2023: How can Mumbai Indians (MI) qualify for play-offs with three games in hand?

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 saw the five-time champions Mumbai Indians get off to a rocky start to the marquee tournament. Being one of the most esteemed franchises in the tournament’s history, the Rohit Sharma-led side looked to bounce back as quickly as possible, and they did just that.

Mumbai currently find themselves in third place in the IPL points table with 12 points in 11 games. They have won three matches in the last four games that they have played. The one question on everybody’s mind is whether or not Mumbai Indians can qualify for the IPL playoffs.

MI’s remaining fixtures:

May 12: vs Gujarat Titans (Home)

May 16: vs Lucknow Super Giants (Away) 

May 21: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Home)

With three remaining fixtures in the group stages of the IPL 2023, Mumbai will be taking on Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and top it off with a clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Two out of the three remaining games will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, which could prove to be an added boost for the side. 

Having defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in fantastic fashion recently, winning the next three games could be plausible for the five-time champions and if they go on to do it, the side will qualify for the playoffs of the competition. If they do manage to win every remaining game, they would finish the group stage with 18 points to their name from 14 matches.

The results of other teams could prove important for the five-time champions as well. Rajasthan Royals, Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders are all tied on 10 points in the standings, with only their net run rate keeping them from overtaking each other. 

The two plausible scenarios for Mumbai Indians

Scenario 1- If Mumbai manage to win two out of their remaining three games, they will finish the group stage with 16 points which would see them qualify for the playoffs of the competition. 

Scenario 2- If Mumbai win one and lose two of their remaining matches, things could get tricky for the five-time champions. This scenario would see them finish with 14 points in just as many fixtures. To qualify from such a position, they would look to win their one game by huge margin and strengthen their run rate so as to keep the NRR troubles away. They would also be depending on the results of the other teams, and for Mumbai to qualify, Bangalore, Punjab, and Rajasthan would have to lose two out of their three-four remaining games as well.