IPL 2023 Playoffs Qualification Scenario Explained: After Match 66, PBKS vs RR

Only 1 team, GT have qualified for the IPL 2023 playoffs, while DC, SRH & PBKS have been eliminated with all other 6 teams left with 3 spots.

With the conclusion of the Indian Premier League 2023 drawing near, 6 teams still stands a chance to secure 3 spots in the playoffs. Gujarat Titans are already through to the playoffs. Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings are already out of the tournament.

In a crucial showdown at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, Rajasthan Royals managed to keep their slim chances of qualifying for the IPL 2023 playoffs alive. Their hard-fought four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings not only secured their own position but also marked the end of Punjab Kings' campaign in the tournament.

With just four league-stage games remaining, the race for the top four spots in the IPL 2023 playoffs has intensified, as six teams are vying for the three available slots. Let's examine the qualification scenarios of all teams after Rajasthan Royals' victory over Punjab Kings in the 66th match of the IPL 2023.

1. Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans have already secured their place in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2023 playoffs.

2. Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings have one match remaining in IPL 2023 against Delhi Capitals on 20th May. Here are their qualification scenarios:

If they win: A victory will guarantee their place in the playoffs and could also secure a spot in Qualifier 1, provided Lucknow Super Giants lose, or Lucknow don't defeat Kolkata Knight Riders by a significant margin.

If they lose: In the event of a loss, either Royal Challengers Bangalore or Mumbai Indians must also lose their last match for Chennai Super Kings to qualify. Alternatively, Kolkata Knight Riders must defeat Lucknow Super Giants by a substantial margin.

3. Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants have one remaining fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders on 20th May. Here are their qualification scenarios:

If they win: A victory will guarantee a spot in the top 4 for Lucknow Super Giants, and there is also a possibility for them to feature in Qualifier 1 if CSK loses or even if CSK wins their NRR should not be more than LSG.

If they lose: In case of a loss, either Royal Challengers Bangalore or Mumbai Indians must also lose their respective last matches in order for Lucknow Super Giants to qualify for the playoffs.

4. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore have one remaining fixture against Gujarat Titans on 21st May. Here are their qualification scenarios:

If they win: If Royal Challengers Bangalore secure a victory, their qualification chances will depend on the outcome of matches involving Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. Specifically, one of these teams must lose their last match for Royal Challengers Bangalore to qualify. And if Mumbai Indians also win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, they should not win by a big margin.

If they lose: In the event of a loss, Royal Challengers Bangalore must ensure that the margin of defeat is not significant, in order to maintain a better Net Run Rate (NRR) than Rajasthan Royals. Additionally, Mumbai Indians must also lose their last match, and Kolkata Knight Riders should not defeat Lucknow Super Giants by a substantial margin for Royal Challengers Bangalore to have a chance of qualifying with the same points (14) and higher NRR.

5. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals have completed all their 14 matches in the IPL 2023. Here is their qualification scenario:

In order for Rajasthan Royals to qualify for the playoffs, three conditions must be fulfilled:

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) must suffer a significant defeat against Gujarat Titans.

Mumbai Indians must not emerge victorious in their match against Hyderabad.

If Kolkata Knight Riders defeat Lucknow Super Giants, the margin of victory must be narrow.

In that case, RR can qualify with 14 points with a higher NRR considering MI, KKR and RCB end up with 14 points and a lesser NRR than RR.

6. Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have one remaining fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 21st May. Here are their qualification scenarios:

If they win: If Mumbai Indians secure a victory in their last match, their qualification chances will depend on one of Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, or Royal Challengers Bangalore losing their respective last matches.

If they lose: In case of a loss, Mumbai Indians will end up with 14 points and with a negative NRR, they will be eliminated from the IPL 2023 playoffs race.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders have one remaining fixture against Lucknow Super Giants on 20th May. Here is their qualification scenario:

If they win: Kolkata Knight Riders not only need to secure a victory in their last match but the winning margin must also be significant. Additionally, for their qualification, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore must lose their respective last games by considerable margins.

If they lose: In the event of a loss, Kolkata Knight Riders will be eliminated from the IPL 2023 playoffs.

Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings are already out of IPL 2023 playoffs contention.