Just eight matches are left in the league phase of IPL 2023*, and only one of the teams have made the playoffs so far, Gujarat Titans, who are assured of a top-two spot, while Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have been eliminated. Here is a lowdown on the qualification chances of the seven remaining teams.
Chennai Super Kings
Played 13, Points 15, NRR 0.381
Remaining: DC (a)
Super Kings' loss to Kolkata Knight Riders means they are not yet assured of qualification, and even if they win their last game - away against Delhi Capitals - they might still not finish among the top two, though they will be assured of qualifying for the playoffs. If they lose to Capitals then Super Kings could be knocked out, as five teams can potentially finish on more than 15 points. However, if other results go their way, then Super Kings could finish second without adding to their tally.
Mumbai Indians
Played 12, Points 14, NRR -0.117
Remaining: LSG (a), SRH (h)
After a slow start, Mumbai Indians have come into their own and seem to be peaking at the right time with four wins in their last five. Wins in their last two matches will guarantee them a top-two finish. If they lose one and finish on 16 then they will be depending on other results to qualify: they could go through without NRRs coming into play, or they could get embroiled in an NRR battle for the final spot with two other teams. If they lose both, though, then qualification hopes will be extremely slim: three teams would already be on 15 or more points, and Mumbai Indians could be fighting for the fourth slot with as many as four other teams and a poor NRR.
Lucknow Super Giants
Played 12, Points 13, NRR 0.309
Remaining: MI (h), KKR (a)
Super Giants need to win their last two matches to be assured of the qualifying. If they lose one, they can still qualify without depending on NRRs, if other results fall in place. However, there is also a possibility of four other teams apart from Titans - Super Kings, Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings - all finishing on 16 or more points. If they lose both their matches, Super Giants will be eliminated.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Played 12, Points 12, NRR 0.166
Remaining: SRH (a), GT (h)
Royal Challengers' stunning win against Rajasthan Royals has lifted them to fifth on the table, and boosted their NRR from -0.345 to 0.166. As mentioned earlier, 16 could still be a crowded place on the table, but Royal Challengers will definitely be in the mix, especially given that their NRR is now better than that of Mumbai Indians and Kings, two other teams who could finish on 16. However, if Royal Challengers lose one of their two remaining games and stay on 14, then they will need several results to go their way to ensure that one spot is still available for a team on 14 points. If it comes to that, the NRR boost they got from their astonishing win against Royals could be the clincher.
Rajasthan Royals
Played 13, Points 12, NRR 0.140
Remaining: PBKS (a)
Royals' brutal hammering at the hands of Royal Challengers has caused their NRR to plummet from an impressive 0.633 to 0.140. They could still qualify, though, if they beat Punjab Kings in their last game, and if other results fall in their favour. Their best chance is if Royal Challengers, Super Giants and Kings lose their last two, and if Sunrisers lose their last game, against Mumbai. Then, the fourth position will be a straight battle between Royals and Knight Riders, which Royals should win on NRR, even after the beating it has taken.
Punjab Kings
Played 12, Points 12, NRR -0.268
Remaining: DC (h), RR (h)
Kings are one of five remaining teams that could finish on 16 or more points. That means they are very much in contention for a top-four finish, but they might need some help from other teams, as well as relatively big margins of victories: their NRR is currently lower than that of all the other teams who could finish on 16 or more points. If they lose a game, then they could be battling for one spot with as many as four teams. Their two remaining matches are at home, but in Dharamsala, not Mohali.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Played 13, Points 12, NRR -0.256
Remaining: LSG (h)
Their victory against Super Kings keeps Knight Riders in the hunt, though there's only a slim chance that they will finish among the top four with 14 points. For that to happen, they will have to win their last game - at home against Super Giants - and then hope that not more than three teams go beyond 14. One of the ways that could happen is if Super Giants lose their last two, and if Royal Challengers and Punjab Kings lose at least one of their remaining matches. Then, there could between two to four teams on 14 fighting for one spot, which will bring NRR into focus: Knight Riders' is currently on -0.256, and they have only one game to improve that.
* The article was updated following the Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad game on Monday night.