New Delhi – The IPL 2024 playoff race has become even more thrilling as five teams continue to vie for the last two spots. With the Delhi Capitals' victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday, the Rajasthan Royals secured their playoff position, joining the Chennai Super Kings. Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Punjab Kings are eliminated, leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in contention.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) SRH, with 14 points and a solid net run rate of 0.406, are in the best position among the contenders. With two home matches left against bottom-placed Gujarat and Punjab, a single win will secure their playoff spot. Two wins might even earn them a top-two finish if Rajasthan Royals falter.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CSK benefited significantly from Tuesday's result. A victory over RCB ensures their top-four spot, and potentially a Qualifier 1 position if other results favor them. Even if they lose, maintaining a better net run rate than RCB and depending on other match outcomes keeps them in the race.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) RCB, despite a poor start with seven losses in eight matches, are back in contention. They need a win over CSK and favorable results from SRH’s matches. A close victory might suffice if SRH loses both games narrowly.
Delhi Capitals (DC) DC's win over LSG keeps their slim playoff hopes alive. They need CSK to defeat RCB, SRH to lose both remaining matches by significant margins, and LSG to underperform in their final games. Only then can DC’s poor net run rate be overcome to secure a playoff spot.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) LSG’s recent three-match losing streak has severely hurt their playoff chances. To qualify, they need to outperform MI, hope CSK beats RCB, and SRH loses both games by wide margins. This scenario leads to a three-way tie, with LSG needing a large victory over MI and favorable outcomes in other matches.
The playoff race in IPL 2024 remains fiercely competitive, promising an exciting finish as teams fight for the coveted spots in the final stages of the tournament.
