IPL 2019 playoff scenarios: Mumbai Indians hurt Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals' chances

Mumbai Indians changed the entire scenario regarding the playoff race by beating Chennai Super Kings. Their 46-run win has also dented Chennai Super Kings' net run-rate and it has also ensured that Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals are on the brink of elimination. Sunrisers Hyderabad now holds the key in the playoff race and a win against Rajasthan Royals will knock Steve Smith's side out while for the bottom three teams, a loss in either of the games knocks them out. Here is what each team must do in order to seal a spot in the playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings

Position: 1

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 absence hurt Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians and their 46-run loss has dented their net run-rate as well. A loss in their last two games and big wins for Sunrisers Hyderabad could hurt their playoff chances.

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Mumbai Indians

Position: 2

P – 11, W- 7, L-4, Points: 14

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

What they must do: Mumbai Indians have effectively changed the entire complexion of the playoff race with their win against Chennai Super Kings. A win in either of their last three games will seal a playoff spot for them. For the bottom ranked teams, a loss in either game will result in their elimination.

Delhi Capitals

Position: 3

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 for Delhi Capitals against Royal Challengers Bangalore will not only knock Virat Kohli's side, but they can also seal their playoff spot. If Delhi Capitals lose their remaining games and Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad win their remaining games, then they can be eliminated.

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 – 11, W – 4, L – 7, Points: 8

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

What they must do: With their sixth straight loss, Kolkata Knight Riders are in a do-or-die situation. A loss against Mumbai Indians will eliminate them and they will be hoping to snap their losing streak. However, their poor record against Mumbai Indians makes their task even harder.

Rajasthan Royals

Position: 7

P – 11, W – 4, L – 7, Points: 8

Remaining games: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 27), 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 Kolkata Knight Riders. 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 – 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, Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders lose their remaining games.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Mumbai Indians have moved to second spot in the points table.
• Chennai Super Kings are still on top in the points table.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad can eliminate Rajasthan Royals from the playoff race.