IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Punjab Kings qualify for playoffs after losing to GT?

Punjab Kings suffered their sixth loss of the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) by three wickets against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 37 on Sunday, April 21 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh. After opting to bat first, Punjab were bundled out for just 142 in their allotted 20 overs with Prabhsimran Singh top-scoring with 35 (21).

In reply, Gujarat chased down the target in the last over with valuable contributions from captain Shubman Gill (35 off 29) and Rahul Tewatia (36* off 18). Harshal Patel was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts with figures of 3/15 in three overs. Following their loss, PBKS continue to occupy the second-last spot on the points table with two wins from eight matches having four points to their name.

Also Read: IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Royal Challengers Bengaluru qualify for playoffs after losing to KKR?

With just six more league matches in their hands, the Shikhar Dhawan-led side find themselves in a precarious situation which has been further exacerbated by the absence of their regular skipper due to a shoulder injury. Having four points to their name, Punjab needs to win all of their remaining six fixtures to finish with 16 points which could well prove to be enough for their smooth qualification to the playoffs.

However, if they end up losing even a single game and finish with 14 points, they will have to keep a healthy net run rate (NRR) than the other teams in contention. Punjab’s NRR is currently at -0.292 which is the third worst among all ten teams.

PBKS need to win all of their remaining fixtures

The road ahead for Punjab gets tougher as they next face in-form Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) away from home followed by consecutive matches against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) first away and then at their second home ground at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.

Also Read: IPL 2024: 3 Changes Punjab Kings should make to get back to winning ways

Following that, the 2014 runner-ups will have some respite against the struggling Royal Challengers Bengaluru followed by two tough fixtures against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR) and ruthless Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Hence, with several tough fixtures lined up, Punjab will need to make a remarkable comeback in the league which might well begin in the absence of their regular skipper.

Notably, Punjab last qualified for the playoffs in 2014 where they lost to KKR in the final. It’s up to the stand-in skipper Sam Curran to inspire his men to script a historic comeback for his side in the tournament.