IPL 2020 playoffs: How does the qualification scenario look like right now?
Defending champions Mumbai Indians are the only team to have qualified for the playoffs so far, while former champions Chennai Super Kings are the only ones to be knocked out. Depending on the match results on Saturday, there could be a couple of more teams, who can qualify.
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FollowThe Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has entered its business-end phase, as the race for the playoffs is as intense as ever. While defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have secured their berth, the others are still fighting it out.
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Meanwhile, former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the only team so far who have been knocked out of the contention. On the same note, we take a look at what the situation stands prior to Saturday's doubleheader, which could decide a couple of more spots.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): The Virat Kohli-led side are on the second spot, with 14 points. A win in the remaining two games would almost seal their place too. However, in case of losing both, they will have to rely on the other sides. The teams below them, losing, would be their only hope.
Delhi Capitals (DC): Placed third with 14 points, they have a battle at hand against RCB, as well as MI. Nonetheless, a win in either one should do it for them, while winning both is a guarantee. However, if they lose both, the net run-rate (NRR) would come into play, and the teams below them would have to keep losing.
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP): The loss against Rajasthan Royals (RR) last night did somewhat give them a setback, but they are not entirely out yet. While they will have to win their final game against CSK, they will also be dependent on other results, as they will have to hope that either of RR or Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), do not win by a significant margin. Furthermore, they would also want Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to lose a game, at least.
Rajasthan Royals (RR): The win against KXIP has kept them in contention for the same and are in a similar situation as the former. However, they will have to better their net run-rate (NRR), to stay in clear grounds for the playoffs. Rest of the situation remains the same as KXIP, while they play their final game against KKR.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): They are currently placed sixth and have the worst NRR among the teams with 12 points. There only chance is to win against RR and finish on 14, besides expecting KXIP to lose against CSK. Also, SRH should not win more than one in their remaining two games.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): The seventh-placed team in the table, with 10 points, SRH's only option is to win their remaining two games. In case that happens, with a better NRR, SRH can surely qualify. However, a loss would end their campaign.
