With just three more league matchdays to go, the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) is rightfully at the business-end stage. While the fate of two teams has already been decided, the remaining six are still in contention for the playoffs, as we take a look the scenarios, ahead of Sunday's double-header.
undefined
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Although their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday was heartbreaking, they have a simple equation at hand, and that is to win their final tie against Delhi Capitals (DC). And, if they lose, they should expect the teams below them to lose their matches.
undefined
Delhi Capitals (DC): The side, too, lost their last game to defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on Saturday, as the latter are already through to the playoffs. Consequently, this has put DC in a similar situation like RCB and have to expect the same results.
undefined
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): The 2016 champions made a giant leap on Saturday. No, not to the moon, but the fourth spot from seventh. As a result, they would expect themselves to win against MI, on Tuesday. Also, if they lose, it should not be by a significant margin, as it is their net run-rate (NRR) that has allowed them to make the leap in the first place. Besides, upon losing, they would also want the teams below them to fail as well.
undefined
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP): Sunday would be a must-win clash for them, against former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have already been knocked out. Besides, they would also expect SRH to lose their final clash as well. However, a loss for KXIP would more or less end their campaign, besides hoping for SRH to lose by a big margin, and Rajasthan Royals (RR), along with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), losing as well.
undefined
Rajasthan Royals (RR): The 2008 champions would have to expect a win against KKR on Sunday, besides hoping for SRH and KXIP to lose as well. Upon their loss against KKR, they will have to expect SRH and KXIP to lose by a great margin.
undefined
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): The former champions are in a precarious situation, as they have no other choice, but to win against RR in their final clash, on Sunday. Upon winning, they should also expect SRH, KXIP and RR to lose theirs. Meanwhile, if KKR lose, they will expect the same teams to lose by a meaningful margin. However, chances of that happening look bleak, realistically.
undefined