PremiumIPL 2024 Playoffs - Can MI make it to Top 4, what about CSK and GT? Statistical prediction
Last year in the IPL 2023, the top four teams accumulated 20, 17, 17, and 16 points, respectively.
Last Updated: 10.17 PM, Apr 24, 2024
While it's just the mid-season in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the trajectory of matches and the gap between the top four teams and the bottom-placed teams indicate which sides could make it to the Playoffs.
After 39 games, the teams showing consistency are Rajasthan Royals (RR), followed by the batting powerhouse Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also appear to be strong contenders to finish at the top, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are formidable in their fortress, could also make the cut.
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However, what about teams like Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Gujarat Titans (GT), and even Mumbai Indians (MI)? While fans may have little hope for the bottom-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Delhi Capitals (DC), could a change in fortune help these sides as well?
Let's take a look at each team as last year, the top four teams accumulated 20, 17, 17, and 16 points, respectively.
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
They have displayed sheer dominance in the league stage and have a very strong chance, the best, in fact, at present, to qualify for the IPL 2024 Playoffs. Currently sitting at the top of the points table with 7 wins from 8 games, they have 14 points to their name. With a Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.677, the side in pink will likely need to secure three more wins to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
This side has the best run rate of +1.206 this season and has unleashed carnage at the top of the order. Currently sitting in the second spot, KKR has won five of their 7 games has 10 points to their name and could especially qualify for the Top 4. They also have strong bowling, but it's their batters who do the job for them, especially their two openers.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
With 5 wins from 7 games and 10 points to their name, this team looks unstoppable and will likely continue their carnage with the bat. They have an NRR of +0.914 and have gone all-out on the rampage while batting as they overhauled the highest team total in IPL history – 263 – not once – 277 – but twice – making the new record 287.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Sitting in the 5th spot with 5 wins from 8 games and 10 points to their name, LSG has occupied the 4th spot. The side with +0.148 NRR will have to win their upcoming matches. However, achieving 16 points may not guarantee them a playoff berth if multiple teams finish with the same number of points, and they will need to win a minimum of four out of their remaining six games.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
They have currently dropped to the 5th spot with 4 wins from 8 games and 8 points to their name. With +0.415 NRR, they too will need to win at least the next four of their six games. However, knowing more than one side can finish with 16 points, CSK will need to also improve their NRR and ideally win five of their remaining games to end with 18 points.
Gujarat Titans (GT):
Their chances of qualifying for the IPL 2024 playoffs appear strong, but they will need to take care of their poor NRR of -1.005. Sitting in the 6th spot, they have 4 wins and 4 losses from 8 games having 8 points to their name. Achieving victories in at least four league stage matches would help them secure IPL playoff berths with 16 points or more.
Mumbai Indians (MI):
Currently occupying the 7th spot with 3 wins and 5 losses from 8 games, the side faced a lot of hate even before the start of the tournament. With -0.227 NRR and 6 points to their name, they still have six games to play and can attain a maximum of 18 points if they win all of their remaining matches. They might get a chance at the Playoff, but it will depend on the results of other teams. They will also need to improve their negative NRR and make it a good positive.
Delhi Capitals (DC):
This side is sitting in the 8th spot with 3 wins and 5 losses from 8 games. With an NRR of -0.477 and 6 points to their name, all their remaining games are crucial. They will need to win at least five matches to look for qualification to the playoffs. If they manage to do so, DC will end the league stage with 16 points. But if they end up losing two fixtures, they will finish on 14 points, and their fate will rely on other teams.
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Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Placed 9th on the points table with 2 wins and 6 very close-contested losses, this team has 4 points to their name. With an NRR of -0.292, Punjab needs to win all of their remaining six fixtures to finish with 16 points. However, if they lose even a single game and finish with 14 points, they will have to keep a healthy NRR than the other teams in contention.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Leading from the bottom of the points table with just 1 win and 7 losses from 8 games, things don't look good for RCB. With just 2 points and a NRR of -1.046, RCB can mathematically reach 14 points if they manage to win all their remaining games. However, this seems quite an impossible task, but still mathematically they are not yet ruled out. However, not just winning, they will also need to improve their NRR as well.