IPL 2019 playoff scenarios: Six teams still in fray for remaining two spots

Delhi Capitals have joined Chennai Super Kings in the playoffs for IPL 2019. With two spots sealed, the focus shifts to the remaining two spots and five teams are in the fray. Mumbai Indians missed their chance of sealing their playoff spot by losing to Kolkata Knight Riders. With Dinesh Karthik’s side snapping their six-match losing streak, the team is once again in the race for the playoffs. Apart from these two teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals are in contention for the knockouts. Royal Challengers Bangalore are all but out of contention after losing to Delhi Capitals and only a mathematical miracle can keep them in the race. Here is what the remaining teams need to do to seal a playoff spot.

Delhi Capitals

Position: 1 (Qualified)

P -12, W – 8, L – 4, Points – 16

Remaining games: vs Chennai Super Kings (May 1), vs Rajasthan Royals (May 4)

What they must do: Delhi Capitals have sealed their spot in the playoffs and a win in one of their remaining games will seal them a top-two spot in the points table and give them two chances of reaching the final.

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Chennai Super Kings

Position: 2 (Qualified)

P – 12, W – 8, L – 4, Points - 16

Remaining games: vs Delhi Capitals (May 1), vs Kings XI Punjab (May 5)

What they must do: MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings have qualified for the playoffs for the 10th time in their 10 editions and a win in their remaining games will seal a top-two spot.

Mumbai Indians

Position: 3

P – 12, W- 7, L-5, Points: 14

Remaining games: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 2), vs Kolkata Knight Riders (May 5)

What they must do: Mumbai Indians missed out on a chance to seal their playoff chances by losing to Kolkata Knight Riders. However, a win in one of the games will seal their playoff spot. A loss in their remaining games and a win for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals by big margins could see them get eliminated.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Position: 4

P -11, W – 5, L – 6, Points: 10

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

What they must do: With Mumbai Indians losing to Kolkata Knight Riders, the race for the playoffs is wide open again. Sunrisers Hyderabad now faces a crucial game against Kings XI Punjab and a win will put them in pole position. A loss in more than two games could see them getting eliminated.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Position: 5

P – 12, W – 5, L – 7, Points: 10

Remaining games: vs Kings XI Punjab (May 3), vs Mumbai Indians (May 5)

What they must do: Kolkata Knight Riders snapped their six-match losing streak with a win against Mumbai Indians. They will have to win their remaining games to seal an outright spot. If they lose one, they will have to hope either of Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals do not win more than one game.

Kings XI Punjab

Position: 6

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.

Rajasthan Royals

Position: 7

P – 12, W – 5, L – 7, Points: 10

Remaining games: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 30), vs Delhi Capitals (May 4)

What they must do: Rajasthan Royals have kept their playoff hopes alive with a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, they will be hoping Royal Challengers Bangalore and either of Kings XI Punjab or Sunrisers Hyderabad lose their remaining games in order to seal a spot in the top four.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Position: 8

P – 12, W – 4, L – 8, Points: 8

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

What they must do: A loss against Delhi Capitals has all but eliminated them from the tournament. However, they are still in it mathematically. They will be hoping that the game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab is washed out and that they lose their remaining games. They will also be hoping Rajasthan Royals lose both their games. Royal Challengers Bangalore will then be hoping to win their remaining games by a massive margin to boost their net run-rate.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings are the only two teams to enter playoffs.
• Mumbai Indians missed their chance of sealing a playoff spot.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab are in the middle of the playoff tussle.