IPL 2024: Playoffs qualification scenarios for all 10 teams

As the IPL 2024 group stage heats up, the focus eagerly pours over the points table, crunching numbers to see which team can snag a playoff spot. The competition is fierce and every game counts. While some teams seem to have an edge, the top four slots still remain up for grabs. Fans are glued to their screens, not wanting to miss any match that could shake the standings. The intensity is palpable as teams battle it out on the pitch, here’s what could make all the difference for teams in securing a coveted playoff berth.

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

The former two-time champions were placed at No. 2 for a substantial period but their thumping win in their last game against Lucknow Super Giants helped them displace Rajasthan Royals at the pole position. With eight wins and just three losses from 11 games, KKR are all but qualified for the playoffs. They have a great chance of finishing within the top two and earning a chance to play in Qualifier 1. Another win will secure their position in the playoffs.

2. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The inaugural champions lost just one out of their first nine matches in IPL 2024 and kept a stranglehold on the No. 1 position. However, back-to-back defeats in their last two games and KKR's three wins on the trot have seen Sanju Samson and Co. dropping to the second spot. Rajasthan also have eight wins and three losses from 11 games but their net run-rate is lesser than that of KKR. The Royals are still in a strong position to qualify. They need to win in just one out of their next three games.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

The Pat Cummins-led side have registered seven wins and five losses from 12 games. They can assure qualification with wins in their last two games. However, if they win only one win out of their next two games, it could come down to their net run-rate (NRR), which is currently a steady +0.406.

Also Read: IPL 2024 Orange Cap List

4. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 

The Yellow Army has blown hot and cold this season. They have won six and lost five out of their first 11 matches. Wins in their last three games will ensure a playoffs berth for the defending champions. Two wins out of the remaining three games and their NRR could be in focus. The five-time champions have a solid NRR of +0.700, the second-best in the league after KKR.

5. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Rishabh Pant and Co. have six wins and as many losses from 12 games and are placed at No. 5 on the table. They can get to 16 points with wins in their two remaining fixtures. However, at this moment, it will not ensure them a finish in the playoffs. They will have to hope that either SRH or CSK lose at least one of their remaining games. They have an NRR of -0.316.

6. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

The Super Giants qualified for the playoffs in the last two years but things have gotten a bit tight for them after they suffered heavy defeats in their last two outings. KL Rahul and Co. have won six and lost six out of their 12 matches. Their NRR is a concerning -0.769. They can get to a maximum of 16 points and have one of their matches against DC. If they win both their remaining fixtures including the game against Delhi, it will knock Pant's side out of the contest. However, LSG will have to keep their eyes on how the current top four teams are faring in their remaining games.

7. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

After losing seven out of their first eight games, RCB have seen a resurgence, winning their last three games to stay afloat in the competition. The Faf du Plessis-led side have four wins and seven losses from 11 games and can get to a maximum of 14 points. However, they will have to substantially improve their NRR of -0.049 and hope that teams like SRH, CSK, DC, and LSG drop points in their remaining games. RCB cannot afford a loss.

Also Read: IPL 2024 Purple Cap List

8. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Like RCB, Punjab can also get to a maximum of 14 points. The Kings have four wins and seven losses from 11 games and a NRR of -0.187. Sam Curran and Co. will play one match each against RCB and SRH, the other playoff aspirants. Wins in those matches will be imperative. However, they will have to better their NRR and hope other results fall in place. Punjab cannot afford to lose any of their remaining games.

9. Mumbai Indians (MI)

The five-time champions have had a disappointing season, having won just four and lost eight out of 12 matches. They are already out of the competition. Even if they win their last two games, they will get to a maximum of 12 points, which won't be enough to ensure qualification.

10. Gujarat Titans (GT)

The 2022 champions are still in with a mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs. They have won four out of their first 11 matches and lost seven. The Titans can get to 14 points at best but their NRR of -1.320 is the worst in the competition and it will be hard for them to better it with only three games to come. They have matches against three strong teams, CSK, KKR, and SRH, and it will be tough to beat all three of them, considering the kind of scratchy performances the Shubman Gill side have put up. A loss in any of those games will eliminate them.