IPL 2021: Here is how Mumbai Indians can still qualify for the playoffs

So, the final day of the league stages of the 2021 edition of the IPL is upon us. And, three teams have already qualified for the playoff stages of the tournament. Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are already through to the playoff stages.

Now the question is, which will be the fourth team? With their crushing victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on 7th October 2021, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) already have one foot in the playoffs stage. But then, the Mumbai Indians (MI) will be in action tonight against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

And, the question on the minds of IPL fans is, can the Rohit Sharma-led side still make it to the playoff stages of the IPL? Mathematically speaking, the answer is yes.

What should Mumbai Indians do to qualify for the playoff stages of the IPL?

The Kolkata Knight Riders are currently at the 4th spot with 14 points in their kitty after 14 matches, and the Mumbai side is occupying 6th place with 12 points in 13 games. Now, KKR has a Net Run Rate of +0.587, and the Mumbai Indians currently have a Net Run Rate of -0.048.

So, what should Mumbai do? What is the margin of victory that will ensure that the Mumbai Indians will qualify for the playoffs? Should they bat first or bat second against SRH?

Well, if the Mumbai Indians bat second, then they are out of the tournament. As simple as that. Rohit Sharma and his men will have to compulsorily bat first to have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs. So, if Kane Williamson wins the toss and decides to wield the willow, then KKR are through to the playoffs before even the first ball in the match between SRH and MI is bowled.

Next, if Mumbai bat first, the Rohit Sharma-led side will have to win the match by a whopping margin of 171 or more runs to beat the Net Run Rate of KKR and go through to the playoffs stage.

Interestingly Mumbai holds the record for the biggest win margin (in terms of runs) in IPL history. On 6th May 2017, Mumbai Indians beat the Delhi Capitals (DC) side by 146 runs. Well, if Rohit Sharma and his men want a berth in the playoffs, they will have to better that. You never say never, but this is indeed a ‘next to impossible scenario’ for the five-time IPL champions.