IPL 2020: Play-offs Qualification Scenario for all the Teams
IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians pushing for the top 2 spots as we look at the play-off qualification scenario for all the teams.
We are almost done with 41 matches in IPL 2020 with each Team having played 10 or 11 matches. With only 15 matches left in the group stages, neither do we have any team qualified for the play-offs nor do we have any team eliminated from the Tournament. Isn’t that interesting?
Looking at the outset, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore with 14 points each look almost certain to qualify for the play-offs. The fourth spot could see a tough fight from all the remaining teams including CSK, who are strangling at the bottom with 6 points from 11 games.
So, what realistic chance do teams have for play-offs? Let’s find out in our article analyzing the play-offs Qualification Scenario for IPL 2020.
Delhi Capitals
M: 10 // P: 14 // NRR: +0.774
Next matches: KKR, SRH, MI, and RCB
Delhi Capitals are all but certain to qualify for the Play-offs. Currently, they are at 14 points at a healthy NRR of +0.77. A win from here would definitely help them qualify with 16 points. However, looking at the way they are going, they would be fighting for the top 2 spots alongside Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
What do Delhi Capitals need to do?
A win from here on for Qualification, and a minimum 2 wins for top 2 finish.
Qualification Meter: Positive
Kings XI Punjab:
M: 10 // P: 8 // NRR: – 0.177
Next matches: SRH, KKR, RR, and CSK
An interesting situation for Kings XI Punjab, who are strangling in the bottom half with 8 points from 10 games. If they win all their 4 matches, which they can, looking at the competition, they are definitely through. However, they can afford a loss, but for that, they need to make sure that they win 1-2 matches by a good margin to improve their NRR, and also hope the competition is at 14 points.
What do KXIP need to do?
Win at least 3 of their remaining 4 matches to be in the contention of the Play-offs. Winning all 4 would guarantee them the play-off spot.
Qualification Meter: Neutral
Kolkata Knight Riders:
M: 10 // P: 10 // NRR: – 0.828
Next matches: DC, KXIP, CSK, and RR
Kolkata Knight Riders are relatively in a better position to qualify than the teams present in the bottom half. If they win 3 of their remaining 4 matches, they are through to the Play-offs. However, if they lose 2, it would be extremely difficult for them to qualify given their NRR of -0.88; the worst among all the teams. Looking at the competition, they would find it slightly difficult to win 3. So, they need to make sure, one of the wins comes with a big margin.
What do KKR need to do?
Win at least 3 of their remaining 4 matches to guarantee them the play-off spot.
Qualification Meter: Neutral
Mumbai Indians
M: 10 // P: 14 // NRR: +1.448
Next matches: RR, RCB, DC, and SRH
A stunning victory against CSK has all but sealed the play-off spot for the Mumbai Indians. They are currently at 14 points from 10 games, and a win from here should help them qualify for the play-offs. But, just like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians would want to finish in the top 2, which would give them two chances to take a shot at the finals.
What does MI need to do?
Mumbai Indians need to win 1 more to qualify for the play-offs, and a minimum 2 wins for a top 2 finish.
Qualification Meter: Positive
Rajasthan Royals:
M: 11 // P: 8 // NRR: -0.620
Next matches: MI, KXIP, and KKR
Just like CSK, Rajasthan Royals are currently strangling in the bottom two with 8 points. The equation for them is pretty simple too. Win all their remaining three matches, and hope the fourth team has 14 or fewer points. Their matches are now against MI, KXIP, and KKR. While they have a good record against the strong MI, they can definitely fancy their chances against KXIP and KKR. However, their negative NRR could be their biggest enemy.
What do RR need to do?
Win all three matches from here, and hope the fourth team also stands at 14 with RR having a better NRR.
Qualification Meter: Negative
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
M: 10 // P: 14 // NRR: +0.182
Next matches: CSK, MI, SRH, and DC
Royal Challengers Bangalore are sitting pretty with 14 points to their name from 10 matches. They just need 1 win, and they are through to the play-offs. Given how their performance has been in the last 3 years, this would be a big achievement for Virat Kohli led RCB. While they have strong opponents in their next 4 matches, they can definitely snatch a victory from these, but top 2 finish looks difficult.
What do RCB need to do?
RCB need to win just 1 out of their remaining 4 matches to secure the play-offs birth.
Qualification Meter: Positive
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
M: 10 // P: 8 // NRR: +0.092
Next matches: KXIP, DC, RCB, and MI
Sunrisers Hyderabad are the only team to be in the bottom half, and yet have a positive NRR. They are currently sitting at fifth position with 8 points from 10 matches. If they win all their remaining matches, they are guaranteed of a play-off spot. However, even if they lose 1, and the fourth team also strangles at 14, they are almost certain to make it to the top 4 given their positive NRR.
What do SRH need to do?
Win at least 3 of their remaining 4 matches to give them a good chance of a play-off spot.
Qualification Meter: Neutral
Chennai Super Kings:
M: 11 // P: 6 // NRR: – 0.733
Next matches: RCB, KKR, and KXIP
Has the loss against MI made CSK’s play-off qualification bleak? If you see, CSK have 6 points from 11 games at the moment? 3 more wins would take them to 12 points. Considering the scenario where DC, MI, and RCB are already qualified, we would need the fourth team at 12 points too. So, is it possible to have the fourth-ranked team at 12 points?
Yes, it definitely is, if we get the following results. Basically, we would need RCB, MI, and DC to definitely qualify. The fourth team with the following results would see 2-3 teams on 12 points. This would make sure CSK get an outside chance, and they can still of IPL 2020 play-offs, provided their NRR is better compared to KKR, who too have a horrible NRR.
Qualification Meter: Negative
Thanks for reading! Which 4 teams do you think would qualify for the play-offs of IPL 2020 looking at the Qualification scenario? Please email your comments to business@cricalytics.com
READ MORE: IPL Nostalgia: Top 5 Highest Scores By Indians in the Tournament
Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.
Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.
Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.
