IPL 2021: Playoffs qualification scenarios for KKR, MI, PBKS and RR

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 continues to get intense as it inches closer towards its business-end phase. Meanwhile, the race for the playoffs is still on, with four teams vying for the vacant fourth spot.

On Tuesday, the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) beat former champion Rajasthan Royals (RR) by eight wickets in Match 51 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. While both teams stay in the contention for playoffs, we present the scenario here as to how the four teams can do it.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR has a far better run rate of all the four teams. All KKR needs to do is win against RR, which would virtually seal its place. However, it has to hope for MI to lose its next game by a margin lesser than 87 runs or less than 11 overs to spare. And, in case KKR loses, it has to hope for an MI loss too.

Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI would need to beat SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in its next match by a margin of about 87 runs or more than 11 overs to spare to go past KKR, considering KKR defeats RR in its next game even by the margin of a run. However, if KKR loses, all MI needs to do is win against SRH.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS is more or less out of contention. It has to win by a margin of 70 runs against RCB, besides expecting KKR to lose by the same margin.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR is out of contention as well. However, if it manages to defeat KKR by a margin of 125 runs and MI loses by 40 runs, it can seal its place most extraordinarily.