IPL 2021: Playoff Qualification Scenarios for KKR, PBKS, MI and RR

We are in the business of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 and the stakes are incredibly high in the remaining league-stage matches. With Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore already sealing three of the four playoff spots, only one place is up for grabs, and four teams are in contention. Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings are in the hunt for the fourth spot.

49 of the 56 scheduled league-stage games have already been done and dusted and the points table couldn’t have been more complicated. With none of these sides now able to accumulate 16 points, they need to depend upon other match results alongside winning their remaining fixtures. Hence, team managements would be busy with their calculators and it would be interesting to see how the remaining matches pan out.

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

Kolkata Knight Riders

Among the four teams in contention, Kolkata Knight Riders are placed in the best position. With six wins in 13 games, Eoin Morgan’s men after 49 games are holding the fourth spot. In order to consolidate their position, they must win their remaining league-stage fixture against Rajasthan Royals. If they manage to do so, Mumbai Indians will be their only threat.

Nevertheless, KKR (+0.294) are way ahead of MI (-0.453) in terms of net run rate. Hence, MI need to win their next two games with solid margins to dent KKR plans. Notably, KKR will still have a chance to qualify even if they lose against RR, although it would be complicated.

To make that happen, RR and MI need to lose at least one of their remaining two games and their net run rate should be less than KKR. Also, 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.

Rajasthan Royals

As of now, Rajasthan Royals are sixth in the table, having won five of their 12 games. Unlike KKR, their equation is pretty simple. Their remaining two games are against KKR and MI. Hence, RR doesn’t need to bother about net run rate if they anyhow win their next two games. However, things will get complex if they lose even one fixture.

One more defeat means RR won’t collect more than 12 points. Although it’s highly unlikely, they still can make a place in the top four. If the inaugural season champions have to lose one game, it should be against MI. As if KKR defeat them, they will advance their tally to 14 points. Hence, RR need to defeat KKR by a handsome margin to enhance their net run rate.

As per the equation, SRH then need to defeat MI by a significant margin. Also, CSK should defeat PBKS in their last fixture. Even if the Punjab-based side wins, they shouldn’t overtake RR in terms of net run rate.

Mumbai Indians

MI, who are currently holding the penultimate position, will play Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in their remaining two fixtures. A win in both these games will end RR and PBKS’ hopes. As far as KKR is concerned, if they lose against the Royals, MI are through. However, if KKR emerges victorious then MI need to make sure they win their remaining clashes with massive margins.

It would be a daunting task as KKR’s NRR is way better than MI’s (0.453). In case MI lose one game, their campaign is done and dusted, even mathematically. Both KKR and RR have greater NNR than MI. As the two sides are slated to play a game against each other, at least one team will be ahead of Mumbai in terms of NRR.

Punjab Kings

The KL Rahul-led side has the least chances of going through. After all, they have 10 points after 13 games and unlike MI, RR and KKR, Punjab can’t take their tally to 14 points. PBKS’ remaining league-stage game is against current table-toppers Chennai Super Kings. Needless to mention, Punjab need to defeat them by a handsome margin.

Well, that won’t just be enough. To get PBKS in the top four with 12 points, RR need to defeat KKR by a colossal margin and lose to Mumbai a massive margin. At the same time, Rohit Sharma’s men need to lose against SRH by a certain margin as well. However, these equations will only come into play if the Punjab-based side defeats CSK.