'What an incredible season we've had' - Aakash Chopra analyzes wide open IPL 2023 qualification scenarios

The race for the IPL 2023 playoff has intensified as seven teams now fight for the remaining three spots. With defending champions Gujarat Titans taking the top spot of the points table and confirming their place in Qualifier 1, only three spots remain in the knockout round. With Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad out of the race, the competition has increased.

The recently completed 64^th game of the tournament saw Delhi Capitals defeating Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Wednesday, May 17. Though DC had been playing for pride, their victory put a dent in PBKS’ chances of making it to the top four. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra was puzzled as the tables turned and the tournament became so interesting that one can just not predict which three teams will join GT.

As of now, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants are the closest to a playoff spot, and if they win their respective forthcoming fixtures, they’ll seal the berth. Taking to his Twitter, the cricketer-turned-commentator wrote:

“Teams with 15 points can qualify. And teams with 16 points can miss out for the playoffs. What an incredible season we've had…  Both CSK and LSG can reach 17. Qualification confirmed. Both of them can finish with 15…and qualify if PBKS, RCB or MI don't reach 16. If both CSK & LSG reach 17…and MI-PBKS-RCB finish with 16…team with the best NRR will qualify. Kya season hai.”

Aakash Chopra@cricketaakash

Teams with 15 points can qualify. And teams with 16 points can miss out for the playoffs. What an incredible season we’ve had… Both CSK and LSG can reach 17. Qualification confirmed. Both of them can finish with 15…and qualify if PBKS, RCB or MI don’t reach 16. If both CSK &… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

11:05 AM · May 17, 2023

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Chennai and Lucknow are placed second and third in the points table, respectively, with 15 points each to their name. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are currently placed fourth with 14 points. Apart from these three sides, four more teams namely Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and PBKS have chances of making it further, but they all have a mountain to climb.

Of the above-mentioned seven teams, only RCB have two games in hand as the remaining six teams have just one more game to play in the league stage. Hence, just like Chopra, all the IPL fans might be scratching their heads wondering which three teams will possibly find a playoff spot.