IPL 2017: 4 likely teams for playoffs

The 10th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached its business end, we are just left with 4 more matches in the group stages. Around 2 weeks ago, the writing seemed to be on the wall as Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune emerged as the prime contenders for the playoffs but in the last few days, the battle has intensified and apart from Mumbai, no team has confirmed their place in the playoffs.

According to the current scenario, the last match for all the teams becomes very important. While Hyderabad is currently playing the Gujarat Lions, KKR will meet Mumbai Indians in the 2nd match of the double header. It is a must win game for Hyderabad and a victory will surely help them qualify for the playoffs irrespective of the other results.

The biggest match will perhaps be the one between Rising Pune Supergiant and the Kings XI Punjab tomorrow which will be a must-win encounter for the two teams. A defeat will virtually knock Pune out despite 8 wins and Punjab will sneak through in net run rate. So let us have a look at the 4 likely teams to qualify for the playoffs

Mumbai Indians

The two-time champions are the only team so far who have already booked their place in the playoffs. A win against Kolkata today will ensure they finish at top 2 but even a defeat won’t rule them out of the top 2. They have played some exceptional brand of all-round cricket in the last few days and apart from a couple of losses in the last couple of games, MI has looked the most dominant unit in the tournament.

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR have a big opportunity to finish at the top 2 if they beat Mumbai today but a loss will still mean they will qualify for the playoffs given their superior run rate than other teams. In case Kolkata loses by a big margin their qualification might be in jeopardy but as the current scenario stands they will go through.

They were the most dominant side after the first 9 matches but a string of losses in the last few matches have made their position slightly tricky. A victory against Mumbai will help them finish at the top 2 which will give them that extra match to push for the final spot.

Kings XI Punjab

They have made a terrific comeback in the last few matches and from dire conditions they are well in contention for the playoffs berth. A victory in their final match against Pune will guarantee their place in the playoffs given RPS has an inferior net run rate. They have defeated the table toppers Mumbai Indians and the Knight Riders in their last two matches to keep their hopes alive.

They started off with consecutive wins but lost their way in the middle stages after successful a string of losses. They again made a comeback in the later part and a victory in their final group game will guarantee their place in the playoffs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

The defending champions are currently playing their final group match against the Gujarat Lions and a victory will guarantee them a place in the playoffs. They have played some brilliant cricket off late but a stutter in the middle stages have made things a bit difficult for them.

They are in pursuit of a moderate chase of 155 and looks set to chase the total down. When the article was written they were comfortably placed at 117/2, still requiring 38 runs to win.