IPL 2020: Indian Premier League is the craziest tournament in the world. It’s tough to think of any other word to describe the league after the kind of scenarios it tends to throw up. Last year was the first when a team qualified for the playoffs with just 12 points. This year, Rajasthan Royals have finished at the bottom of the table with as many points – highest ever by an 8th placed team. With just two league games left, three positions are still up for grabs. Only Mumbai Indians are assured of a playoff position.  

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

The loser of the game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals will find themselves tied at 14 points with possibly more than one team. This will bring down the qualification to the Net Run Rate. This is if the Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Mumbai Indians in the final game of the league stage on Tuesday evening. If the David Warner-led side loses to Mumbai, then both RCB and DC will qualify for the next stage.  

Here is a quick look at how RCB, KKR, SRH or DC can qualify for the playoffs: 

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Current Points – 14 

The Virat Kohli-led side needs to beat the Delhi Capitals on Monday evening. This will take them to 16 points and ensure direct qualification. However, if they end up on the losing side, RCB will have to make sure that the margin is not big. If the defeat is heavy, they may miss out on the playoff position. RCB should keep the loss margin under 21 runs or ensure that DC chases the total with less than 14 balls to spare.  

Delhi Capitals: Current Points – 14 

At one point Delhi looked comfortable to top the table. After 4-match losing streak, they find themselves in a similar position as RCB. A win against Royal Challengers Bangalore will help them seal the 2nd spot on the points table. If they lose, DC will have to make sure that the defeat margin is less than 17 runs. If RCB chases the total, DC will have to ensure that at least 11 balls are left.  

Kolkata Knight Riders: Current Points – 14  

The Eoin Morgan led side have already done their bit by beating Rajasthan Royals by 60 runs in the final league game. Now, they depend on other results to qualify on the basis of net run rate. They would want at least one of Delhi Capitals or Sunrisers Hyderabad to lose in order to qualify.  

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Current Points – 12  

The scenarios are most simple for David Warner’s side. They have a healthy run rate of  +0.555. If they beat Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, they are assured of a place in the top 4. If they lose, all of RCB, DC and KKR qualify for the next round.