IPL 2018 Playoffs Scenario Explained: How teams stand ahead of final group stage matches

Sunrisers Hyderabad are on top of IPL 2018 table. (Source: IPL)

SRH were the first team through to the playoffs. Having picked up 18 points in 13 matches it is mathematically impossible for any of the teams outside the to four to catch up with them. Even if they lose all of their upcoming matches, SRH will advance to the knockout stages.

Chennai Super Kings, Points: 16, NRR: +0.220, Current Place: 2nd (QUALIFIED)

MS Dhoni-led CSK were the second team through and will most probably face SRH in the playoffs.

CSK joined SRH in the playoffs after beating them at home. Rajasthan Royals later beating Mumbai Indians confirmed their progression. They remain second on the table despite their recent defeat to the Delhi Daredevils and will be hoping to qualify for the playoff itself instead of the eliminator.

Kolkata Knight Riders, Points: 14, NRR: -0.096, Current Place: 3rd

Kolkata Knight Riders got back into contention because of their win against Kings XI Punjab. (Source: IPL)

A big win over Kings XI Punjab would have helped them reach third but they did end up giving away 214 runs while defending 245. They followed that up with a six-wicket win over RR which did help them reach third. If they beat SRH on Saturday, they will seal at least a third spot finish and thus qualify.

Mumbai Indians, Points: 12, NRR: +0.384, Current place: 4th

Mumbai Indians are on their annual upward curve. (Source: IPL)

Mumbai Indians are one of the four teams whose fates are intertwined in the final weekend of group stage matches in IPL 2018. They play the eliminated Delhi Daredevils on Sunday and have to at least win the match to stay in contention for a playoff spot. Their net run rate is currently the highest among their rivals and, while ensuring a win, they will also have to keep it that way to stay ahead of the chasing pack.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, Points: 12, NRR: +0.264, Current place: 5th

Royal Challengers Bangalore are going through yet another fruitless season. (Source: IPL)

Royal Challengers Bangalore got off to a horrendous start to the season but have somehow picked themselves up and are now genuine contenders for a playoff spot. Unlike the Mumbai Indians, RCB are playing Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, who are themselves vying for the top four and hence have a chance of knocking out at least one their rivals.

Rajasthan Royals, Points: 12, NRR: -0.399, Current place: 6th

Ajinkya Rahane and Rajasthan will be hoping to win the rest of the matches in their season. (Source: PTI)

A defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders put their chances of making it to the playoffs out of their hands. Rajasthan Royals’ biggest worry would be their pathetic net run-rate, which is the second lowest among the four teams vying for a top four spot this weekend. They can do something about Royal Challengers Bangalore but whether they qualify or not depends almost entirely on their net run rate.

Kings XI Punjab, Points: 12, NRR: -0.490, Current Place: 7th

Kings XI Punjab have been powered by a brilliant KL Rahul this season. (Source: IPL)

KXIP continued their losing run as they dropped another two points against Mumbai Indians and slipped to the 6th position in the table. With four consecutive losses, KXIP are still on 12 points in 13 games, with the Net Run Rate of -0.490, which is the lowest among the table. They still have a match against already-qualified Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, and a victory in the game, might still see them just make it into the playoffs. But it is highly likely, the things may come down to NRR, which at the moment, does not look good for the R Ashwin-led side.

Delhi Daredevils, Points: 8, NRR: -0.288, Current place: 8th

Delhi Daredevils are virtually knocked out of the competition. (Source: IPL)

Delhi Daredevils are out of the competition. They are bottom of the table after playing 12 matches with six points to show for it. It is thus mathematically impossible now for them to reach the top four. If there is any positive for them this season, it is that they may have discovered who may go on to form the core of the team in later years. Rishabh Pant has been destroying averages of bowlers from almost every team while Prithvi Shaw has also shown signs of his much-heralded potential. Shreyas Iyer was handed the captaincy after Gautam Gambhir stepped down. It is unfair to judge him as a leader from the half season he has had in the role, he has been among the runs and how.