IPL 2021: Playoff Qualification Scenarios for KKR, PBKS, MI and RR after SRH vs RCB game

We are in the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 and the points table couldn’t have been more tangled. While Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have occupied three of the four playoffs spots, only Sunrisers Hyderabad have been officially eliminated from the playoff race. Hence, as many as four teams are in the hunt to get the remaining spot.

Notably, this is the scenario after the conclusion of 52 of the 56 league-stage games. Hence, the double headers on Thursday (October 7) and Friday (October 8) would determine the fourth place.  For the unversed, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings are in contention to get the spot.

As none of these sides can take their tally of 16 points, they need to win their remaining league-stage game alongside depending upon other match results. Hence, team managements would be busy with their calculators and it would be interesting to see how the remaining four matches pan out.

Meanwhile, let’s look at what each team needs to qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs:

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders are at the forefront of this race. After all, they are already holding the fourth place with six wins in 13 games. Also, their net run rate (+0.294) is the best amongst the four teams in contention. Hence, a win in their remaining league-stage game, which is against Rajasthan Royals, would most probably see KKR through.

While KKR’s win in the remaining game would shatter hopes of RR and PBKS, MI will still possess a threat to them. Hence, the Knight Riders should also look to bolster their NRR to ensure no damage is done to their position. Notably, a defeat won’t entirely end KKR’s chances.

As RR (-0.737) are way behind KKR in terms of NRR, they aren’t likely to pip the two-time champions, unless and until the margin of victory is jaw-dropping. However, that won’t just be enough. Punjab Kings must lose their last game against Chennai Super Kings. Even if KL Rahul’s men win, they shouldn’t get the glory by a huge margin. Also, MI should lose against SRH.

Mumbai Indians

The five-time champions have a knack of pulling the rabbit out of the hat. An emphatic eight-wicket triumph against RR hasn’t just bolstered their NRR but their confidence as well. Rohit Sharma’s men are now fifth in the table with six wins in 13 games. However, their NRR (-0.048) separates them from the two-time champions.

In case, RR defeat KKR, MI just anyhow need to win their remaining encounter against SRH. However, the NRR will come into play if the result falls in Kolkata’s favour.  MI will then need to beat Hyderabad with a significant margin. Fortunately for the reigning winners, KKR will play before them. Hence, they’ll exactly know what they need to get in the top four.

Rajasthan Royals

A humiliating eight-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians has really hampered RR’s hopes. As of now, they are seventh in the team standings with five wins in 13 games. Hence, they can only accumulate a maximum of 12 points. Also, their NNR (-0.737) is the worst amongst the four teams in contention. Hence, RR must defeat KKR by a massive margin alongside depending upon other match results.

Even if RR defeat KKR and somehow managed to pip their NRR, which is highly unlikely, MI need to lose against SRH. Also, PBKS shouldn’t defeat CSK with an enormous margin. Hence, RR fans don’t have many reasons to be optimistic.

Punjab Kings

Like RR, PBKS don’t have great chances of going through either.  After 13 games, they have just 10 points with their NRR (-0.241) being just better than that of RR. Hence, many things need to fall in their favour. First of all, they’ll need to defeat Chennai Super Kings by a massive margin, which won’t be easy by means.

After that, RR need to defeat KKR by a significant margin and SRH should get the better of MI. Notably, RR shouldn’t overtake PBKS in terms of NRR during the course of their victory. Hence, it would be safe to say that PBKS have the least chance of going through.

Here’s the updated Points table after Match 52: