<
>

What do Mumbai Indians need to qualify for the playoffs?

Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma strike a pose after the toss BCCI

Gujarat Titans - #1

Played 11, Points 16, NRR 0.951
Rem mat: MI (a), SRH (h), RCB (a)

With 16 points already and a strong net run rate of 0.951, Gujarat Titans are almost through to the playoffs. Even if they lose their last three matches by a combined margin of 90 runs, their NRR will still stay at an impressive 0.412.

It's possible for Chennai Super Kings and one of Mumbai Indians or Lucknow Super Giants to finish on more than 16 points, while three teams can finish on 16 if Super Giants get to 17. However, even if comes down to run rates, Titans should be a safe bet to seal a playoff berth.

What they would want, obviously, is more than that. A win on Friday will confirm a playoff spot, and seal a top-two finish too, as only Super Kings can finish on 18 or more if Mumbai Indians lose to Titans.

Mumbai Indians - #4

Played 11, Points 12, NRR -0.255
Rem mat: GT (h), LSG (a), SRH (h)

After two losses at the start, Mumbai Indians have won six out of nine, and are well-placed to finish among the top four. Even if they lose to Titans, they can still get to 16 points by winning their last two games. That may not guarantee qualification, for Royal Challengers and Punjab Kings could also finish on 16, but it will be enough if either of those teams slip up.

If Mumbai win all three, they will be in contention for a top-two finish, but if they lose two and finish on 14, then their qualification will depend on several other results going in their favour.