IPL 2024 Qualification Scenario: How can CSK and RCB Eliminate SRH from Playoffs Race?

Delhi Capitals’ win over Lucknow Super Giants has provided a clearer picture of the IPL 2024 qualification scenario. Despite the victory against LSG, Delhi Capitals failed to enhance their net run rate and remain in 5th position. They do not seem likely to enter the top 4, regardless of the outcomes of other teams’ matches.

Similarly, after their defeat, Lucknow Super Giants are in 7th position, and their chances of entering the top 4 are also improbable given their low NRR ahead of their last league match.

With Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals qualifying for the playoffs, the competition for the remaining two spots now involves SRH, CSK, and RCB. SRH have two matches left (against Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings), while RCB and CSK will clash against each other in their last league game. SRH and CSK are currently tied with 14 points, with the latter having a slightly better NRR. Meanwhile, RCB is in 6th position with 12 points.

IPL 2024 Qualification Scenario

Six league matches remain in this season. KKR and RR have secured their berths in the playoffs, while MI, GT, and PBKS are officially eliminated from playoff contention. As previously mentioned, DC and LSG’s chances of making it to the top 4 appear slim.

Therefore, the competition now revolves around three teams: SRH, CSK, and RCB. With two games remaining, SRH has better chances than CSK and RCB. However, one of CSK or RCB will secure a playoff spot as their last game against each other will be a virtual knockout. Here’s how the three teams can book playoffs berth.

SRH Qualification Scenario:

1. If SRH wins one or both of their games against GT and PBKS, they will comfortably qualify and might even enter the top 2 of the table.
2. If SRH loses both games, they will hope for CSK to beat RCB.

CSK Qualification Scenario:

1. If CSK beats RCB in the last league game, they will qualify for the playoffs.
2. If CSK loses to RCB by less than 18 runs, or if RCB chases the target with fewer than 11 balls remaining, CSK’s net run rate will still be higher than RCB’s. In this case, CSK will qualify for the playoffs, and RCB will be eliminated. Ultimately, SRH will also qualify.

RCB Qualification Scenario:

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru needs to beat CSK by 18 or more runs or chase the target in 18 overs or fewer. With this result, RCB will surpass CSK’s net run rate and finish in either 3rd or 4th position, depending on the results of SRH’s matches.

Both CSK and RCB Can Make it to the Playoffs with this scenario:

1. If SRH loses both their games by a good margin and RCB beats CSK (but not by a huge margin). Both CSK and RCB will make it to the last 4 with 14 points each and SRH will be eliminated.