IPL 2022: Four teams which can reach the playoffs this season

With the addition of two new franchises to the existing eight-team pool in IPL 2022, the tussle for the playoff spots is only going to get closer. Only four teams out of the ten franchises will get an opportunity to make it into the next round, where they can battle it out for the prestigious title. But before that, each team is scheduled to play 14 league stage games, spread across a period of two months.

Chennai Super Kings have by far been the most consistent side in IPL history, making it to the playoffs in all but one season in 2020. The defending champions will look to secure yet another playoff berth this season, as they have a well-rounded side going into the tournament. Franchises such as Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings will look to get back into the reckoning for the playoff spots, whereas, the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants will also look to make an impact in their inaugural season. In this article, we look at four teams who reach the playoffs in 2022.

Four teams that are likely to reach the playoffs in IPL 2022

1. Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings, four-time winners, and reigning champions will look to reach the playoffs for the 12th time in just 13 seasons. The Men in Yellow went about doing their business in the mega auction pretty nicely, as they have more or less assembled a similar-looking side as the previous season. The main asset which Chennai Super Kings possess is MS Dhoni’s dynamic leadership. The former Indian skipper has found a way to get the best out of his players and never shies away from making a few bold moves.

In Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni has two spin-bowling all-rounders who are pretty flexible when it comes to their batting position. Ruturaj Gaikwad claimed the Orange Cap last season and will bat once again at the top of the order. One huge void in the CSK lineup is the absence of Faf du Plessis, who had amassed over 600 runs last year. Since they have assembled a similar-looking lineup, the players are aware of what their role is in the team, and they could get off the blocks quicker in the tournament.