IPL 2022 Qualification Scenarios: Here's how all teams can qualify for playoffs

The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has indeed panned out like a rollercoaster. 64 of the 70 league-stage games have been done and dusted, yet three of the four playoff spots are left vacant. So far, only Gujarat Titans have been officially confirmed a playoff berth and they are set to finish the group stage as table toppers.

At the same time, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are the only teams to have been knocked out of the final-four race. Hence, as many as seven teams are contesting for three slots. While some of these teams are all but through to the next stage, some need victories in their remaining fixtures to qualify. Meanwhile, few sides also need other match results to go in their favor. Hence, the equation is topsy-turvy and the stakes in the remaining contests are extremely high.

IPL 2022 points table after 64 matches:

Meanwhile, let’s look at the qualification scenario of all teams in IPL 2022:

1. Rajasthan Royals

Currently occupies the second place in the team standings, Rajasthan Royals are all but through to the playoffs. With eight victories in 13 outings, the Men in Pink currently have 16 points. Their remaining league-stage game is against Chennai Super Kings and a victory would officially secure them a berth in the next stage. Even a defeat isn’t likely to push them out of the final four as their net run rate of +0.304 is second best in the competition.

2. Lucknow Super Giants

Just like RR, LSG has also won eight of their 13 fixtures so far and has 16 points. As their NRR (+0.262) is lower than that of Rajasthan, KL Rahul’s men are third in the team standings. Their remaining fixture is against Kolkata Knight Riders and a victory would secure them a place in the next stage. Even if they lose, they must make sure their net run rate doesn’t deteriorate much.

LSG can only be knocked out if Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore win their remaining fixtures with colossal margins and KKR beat the Super Giants by a big margin as well. As this equation is highly unlikely, LSG must enter the playoffs.

3. Delhi Capitals

DC has blown hot and cold this season as they currently occupy the fourth place in the team standings with seven wins in 13 games. Fortunately for them, they pretty much have matters in their own hands. As their NRR (+0.255) is way higher than that of RCB (-0.323), a win against Mumbai Indians in their remaining league-stage fixture should see them go through to the next stage.

Notably, even a defeat won’t entirely push DC out of the playoff race. However, they would need RCB to lose their remaining fixture. Even if other teams like KKR, SRH, and PBKS win their respective final matches, DC will want their NRR to stay higher than the above-mentioned teams.

4. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Now, RCB needs more than a victory to go through. They are equal to DC in terms of points and matches played but as mentioned above, their NRR is on the lower side. Hence, if the Capitals win their remaining fixture, Faf du Plessis’ team would need to beat table-toppers Gujarat Titans by a jaw-dropping margin in their final fixture to go through.

Hence, RCB has their hopes pinned on MI to upset DC. As their NRR is already lower than that of DC, a defeat against GT would surely end their campaign.

5. Kolkata Knight Riders

The Knight Riders are in a spot of bother, having 12 points in 13 outings. Firstly, Shreyas Iyer’s team would need both RCB and DC to lose their fixtures. Then, they must defeat Lucknow Super Giants by a massive margin in their remaining game to pip the other teams in contention in terms of net run rate. They also need to keep an eye on the match results of SRH and PBKS. Hence, the two-time champions are highly unlikely to go through.

6. Punjab Kings

PBKS’ situation is even worse as they are equal to KKR in terms of points but way behind as far as NRR is concerned. Hence, only mathematically, they can qualify for the next stage. Firstly, they would need RCB, DC, KKR, and SRH to lose their remaining games. If KKR and SRH take their points tally to 14, PBKS must have a higher NRR than them, which doesn’t seem possible. Notably, Mayank Agarwal’s men will meet SRH in their final fixture on May 22.

7. Sunrisers Hyderabad

At last, we have Sunrisers Hyderabad, whose qualification chances are close to null. Not only, does Kane Williamson’s team need to win their remaining two games, but they also need many other factors to go in their favor. The likes of DC, RCB, KKR, and PBKS must lose their remaining games to give SRH a chance. Even if this happens, the Orange Army isn’t likely to go past at least DC in terms of NRR. Hence, the 2016 season champions have nothing but pride to play for.