IPL 2019 playoff scenarios: Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore still in with a chance

The IPL 2019 is reaching the business end of the tournament. There are only 10 days left for the tournament and fans are still not sure of their four teams for the playoffs. Chennai Super Kings are in pole position and they are all set to become the first team to seal their spot in the last four but they have to avoid a slip-up in their remaining games. With only six points separating the other four teams, the next league matches will be crucial for all the teams involved. Even bottom-ranked Rajasthan Royals are still in mathematically with a chance. Here is what each team must do in order to seal a spot in the playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings

Position: 1

P – 11, W – 8, L – 3, Points - 16

Remaining games:  vs Mumbai Indians (April 26), vs Delhi Capitals (May 1), vs Kings XI Punjab (May 5)

What they must do: A win in either of their two games will seal a top-two finish. However, if they lose their remaining games and Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and either of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab win three out of their four games by big margins, MS Dhoni’s side can still get eliminated.

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Delhi Capitals

Position: 2

P -11, W – 7, L – 4, Points – 14

Remaining games: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 28), vs Chennai Super Kings (May 1), vs Rajasthan Royals (May 4)

What they must do: A win in two out of their next three games will seal their spot in the knockout stages while even one win could be enough but they will have to hope other results go their way. If Delhi Capitals lose their remaining games and Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad win their remaining games, then they can be eliminated.

Mumbai Indians

Position: 3

P – 10, W- 6, L-4, Points: 12

Remaining games: vs Chennai Super Kings (April 26), vs Kolkata Knight Riders (April 28), vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 2), vs Kolkata Knight Riders (May 5)

What they must do: They must win three out of their four games. However, even two wins will be enough. The game against Chennai Super Kings will be crucial and if Rohit Sharma’s side wins that clash, they will be in pole position. Mumbai Indians can also eliminate Kolkata Knight Riders from the playoffs if they win one of their two encounters.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Position: 4

P -10, W – 5, L – 5, Points: 10

Remaining games: vs Rajasthan Royals (April 27), vs Kings XI Punjab (April 29), vs Mumbai Indians (May 2), vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 4)

What they must do: If Sunrisers Hyderabad wins against Rajasthan Royals, they eliminate Steve Smith’s side from the tournament. They must win three out of four encounters in order to stay in contention. If they lose more than one game, their chances of reaching the last four will take a big hit.

Kings XI Punjab

Position: 5

P – 11, W – 5, L – 6, Points: 10

Remaining games: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 29), vs Kolkata Knight Riders (May 3), vs Chennai Super Kings (May 5)

What they must do:  Their next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad is vital. A loss will dent their prospects in a big way. They have to win all their three games. A loss in one game could mean that Kings XI Punjab will have to rely on other results, notably Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians losing more than two games each.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Position: 6

P – 10, W – 4, L – 6, Points: 8

Remaining games: vs Rajasthan Royals (April 25), vs Mumbai Indians (April 29), vs Kings XI Punjab (May 3), vs Mumbai Indians (May 5)

What they must do: Kolkata Knight Riders are the most vulnerable. A loss in one of the games means they will have to rely on other results going their way. They must hope Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab losing all their remaining games. If Kolkata Knight Riders win their remaining games, then they will have a chance of sealing the playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Position: 7

P – 11, W – 4, L – 7, Points: 8

Remaining games: vs Delhi Capitals (April 28), vs Rajasthan Royals (April 30), vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 4)

What they must do: A loss in either game and they will be eliminated from the playoffs. If they win all their remaining games, they will have to hope Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders lose their remaining games.

Rajasthan Royals

Position: 8

P – 10, W – 3, L – 7, Points: 6

Remaining games: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (April 25), vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 27), vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 30), vs Delhi Capitals (May 4)

What they must do: A loss in one game and they will be eliminated from the playoff race. However, they still have a chance of reaching the playoffs provided Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals all lose their remaining games.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Chennai Super Kings are just one win away from sealing top two spots.
• Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals mathematically still have a chance.
• Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals all are separated by four points.