IPL 2020 is at the business end where the race for the playoffs has heated up. But not only that, there is a race to take the top 2 spots in the points table so that the top 2 teams would get two chances to qualify for the final. So, what are each team's chances now to qualify for playoffs? For the record, at least, 16 points are needed to qualify for playoffs.
(Note: The standings have been taken post the CSK vs MI match on October 23)
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians are big favorites to win the title this season. They are currently at top with 14 points, having won 7 games out of 10. They lost two close matches in super overs or otherwise, they would have qualified for play-offs by now. They need 1 more win out of 4 remaining games to qualify, and that should be an easy task for them. But they would also look to win all their remaining games to get a certain top 2 spots in points table as competition is high among the top three teams.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals are easily the best team in the tournament so far. They have all their bases covered. They are currently second with 14 pts, having won 7 games out of 10, but with an inferior net run-rate compared to Mumbai Indians. They need just one more win to qualify, but they would also look to win all their remaining games to bag the top 2 spots.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
They are the surprise element this season, as they have punched above their waist, and have consistently maintained their position in the top four. They are currently third with 14 points, having won 7 games out of 10, but with an inferior net run-rate compared to MI and DC. They need 1 more win out of 4 games, but they would also target the top 2 spots, and win all their remaining 4 games.
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR have been the underdogs this season. They are fourth in the points table with 10 points, having won 5 games out of 10. They need 3 wins out of remaining 4 games to qualify. After the swap in captaincy, KKR have looked out of sorts. It would be a tough ask for them to make it to the play-offs from here.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings Xl Punjab
SRH and KXIP are in the same boat, with 8 points each, having won 4 games out of 10. But SRH are ranked higher due to better net run-rate. Both the teams need to win all their remaining 4 games to stay in hunt and hope other top-ranked teams fare poorly. Another loss could see them out of the tournament virtually.
SRH have been lackluster this season, and depend too much on their overseas players, and that has proved to be their undoing.
Punjab could have been in top four by now, if they had not lost a few close matches. But they have shown the fighting spirit, and their matches have provided thrillers, and entertainment to the fans. They have been the most entertaining teams in this IPL season.
Rajasthan Royals
They have blown hot and cold this season. They are themselves to blame for the current position in the points table. They are currently 7th with 8 pts, having won 4 games out of 11. They need to win all their remaining 3 games, and hope other higher-ranked teams fare poorly to stay in contention for play-offs.
Chennai Super Kings
CSK, for a change, are placed last with 6 points out of 11 games, having won just 3 games. They too lost quite a few close matches as they failed to finish off games. The season is all but over for CSK. Even if they win all their remaining games, they may still see themselves placed in the bottom of the points table. It's a sad state of affairs for the most consistent team in IPL history.
Possible teams for play-offs now
Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata knight Riders
Cover Credits: IPLT20
