IPL 2023: How can Delhi Capitals qualify for the play-offs even after six defeats?

David Warner-led Delhi Capitals are enduring a dismal run in the IPL 2023 and have languished to the bottom of the points table. Placed 10^th in the standings with mere three wins in nine outings and six points, the side is still hanging by a thread with regards to the play-offs of the top-tier league.

Their campaign began with five losses on the trot but with certain changes in the setup, DC have managed to obtain three wins in their last four outings. However, the underlying question remains- Can Delhi Capitals somehow manage to make a place in the play-offs?

While there is still an outside chance for the franchise to make their place in the top four, however, they are heavily reliant on not just their wins but also on the results of the other franchises. Without any further ado, we dive into the various qualification scenarios for Delhi and figure out if they still have a chance.

DC's remaining fixtures:

May 6: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (home)

May 10: vs Chennai Super Kings (away)

May 13: vs Punjab Kings (home)

May 17: vs Punjab Kings (away)

May 20: vs Chennai Super Kings (home)

Delhi have five fixtures remaining in the group phase and the equation from their end is quite simple, as the Warner-led side will need to win every single game to clinch the important points. As much as the fixtures against CSK, RCB and PBKS can be tricky, the most challenging part is the constant travel from home to away after every game. 

Players are bound to feel lethargic due to the peculiar schedule but will need to be on their toes in order to keep their hopes alive. Therefore, mathematically speaking, winning the five games will give DC a total of 10 points, which essentially means that they will conclude with 16 points by the end of 14 group fixtures.

Now, moving on to things out of their control- the results of the other teams. As of match 47 (SRH vs KKR), GT sit atop the table with 12 points, LSG and CSK with 11 points in second and third, respectively. Therefore, eyeing a top two spot will be out of the reach and a very slim chance for a third spot for DC.

DC could aim for the fourth place 

However, realistically speaking, it is the fourth place that the side can fight hard and manage considering that RR, RCB, MI, and PBKS are in a 10-point traffic jam from the fourth to the seventh place. Assuming DC win the double against PBKS and the latter fails to obtain wins in any one of the fixtures against RR and KKR, then the Warner-led side will have upped their chances.

RCB face MI, RR, SRH, and GT apart from the next game against DC. If RCB obtains a win in just one of their four games (MI, RR, SRH, and GT) and lose to DC, then the latter could still be in contention as RCB will end with 12 points.

MI too have tricky matches lined-up as they face CSK, RCB, GT, LSG, and SRH and they will need to lose at least three games for DC to have an edge in the qualification process. On the other hand, Punjab Kings are seventh in the table but have played 10 games.

When they play KKR, DC (twice), and RR, and lose all or three of their four games with couple of big losses, DC could make a case for the top four. The inaugural winners, RR play GT, SRH, KKR, RCB and PBKS in their upcoming matches. The Royals will need to lose three of their five fixtures for DC to have a say in the play-offs.

The final scenario is SRH’s and KKR’s. While SRH will need to lose at least one game to get eliminated, KKR will need to lose two games (at least) to get eliminated from the top four. With all this in place and DC winning every game of theirs, David Warner and Co. could potentially make a place in the final four of the top-tier league.

Delhi’s Net Run Rate- A big worry in the play-off race

It is worth mentioning that, DC have a dismal Net Run Rate of a negative 0.768. This essentially means that the side will need to not only win all their remaining fixtures but also obtain results in their favour by humongous margins in order to solidify their case.

However, one more loss in the league would mean that the side will no longer remain in the mix and the scenarios will not help their case. DC will be pinning their hopes on the slim chances and will look to put their best foot forward in the coming games.

Click to read: IPL Points Table