The race for the IPL 2023 playoffs is gaining momentum. All 10 teams are still in the final stages of the league stage and are trying to make their place in the playoffs. Out of 70 matches in the league stage, 53 matches have been played. There are still 17 matches left.
Looking at the equation, some teams seem stable and are set to go to the playoffs. At the same time, some teams seem to be in a crisis situation and are making a final attempt to qualify for the last four. The league phase of IPL 2023 will end on May 21. The playoffs will begin in Chennai on May 23, and the final will be played in Ahmedabad on May 28. So let’s take a look at the situation of each team.
Gujarat Titans:- They have played 11 matches so far, and with 16 points, the team is at the top of the table. Gujarat has lost only 3 matches in IPL 2023 and won 8. Gujarat has 16 points to qualify for the playoffs. However, this time there is tough competition between the teams. In such a situation, Gujarat Titans may have to go ahead and confirm their place in the playoffs with a ninth win.
Chennai Super Kings:- CSK has 13 points from 11 matches and three matches left. CSK must win at least two of their three games to seal the top 2 playoff spot. Even if CSK has 15 points, they can make it to the playoffs with a net run rate.
Lucknow Super Giants:- Lucknow Super Giants is in third place with 11 points, and they still have three more matches to play. With three wins, Lucknow can secure its place in the IPL playoffs. Lucknow has to play one match at home and two matches away. If Lucknow Super Giants lose even one match, they can be out of the playoff race.
Rajasthan Royals:- They have 10 points and have three more matches to play. However, the road to the playoffs is difficult for Sanju Samson’s team. But the Royals can exclude their rivals to make it to the playoffs. Rajasthan will face Punjab Kings (10 points), Royal Challengers Bangalore (10 points) and Kolkata Knight Riders (8 points). The Royals can knock at least three teams out of the race with three wins.
Royal Challengers Bangalore:- They have 10 points but still have four games left. Faf du Plessis and Co. still have a dream of reaching the playoffs. If Bangalore wins three matches before their remaining four, they can reach the playoffs. If RCB loses points, they can see another team qualifying based on the net run rate. RCB cannot tolerate more than one defeat in their remaining matches.
How to play on Dream11 ?
Mumbai Indians:- Mumbai Indians are sharing 10 points with three teams but are at the bottom regarding net run rate. Mumbai’s three wins can increase their chances, but Rohit Sharma and Co. will have to improve the net run rate and the win to reach the playoffs.
Punjab Kings:- With 10 points from 11 matches, Punjab Kings are seventh in the points table, above Mumbai Indians. Punjab Kings are also in the race for the playoffs like Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians but with the same concern. Punjab still has 4 matches to play. If Punjab Kings score 18 points, it will be an advantage because their remaining matches are with the same teams with equal points in the points table. Punjab has to play two matches in Delhi and Kolkata. At the same time, Rajasthan and Delhi have to play in Dharamsala. Punjab has 16 points with three wins, which can make them clash with three teams. In such a situation, the net run rate will decide.
Kolkata Knight Riders:- The poor performance of the two-time winner in the IPL and runners-up of season 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders, put them on the path of getting out of the playoffs. By winning the remaining four matches, Kolkata Knight Riders can reach 16 points. With their win over Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders have moved to a safe position with 10 points in the mid-table. KKR still need three wins in their remaining three matches to stay in the playoff race.
Sunrisers Hyderabad:- They have dramatically kept themselves alive with 8 points in the playoff race after a spectacular last-ball win over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. Like Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad are one defeat away from being out in the playoff race. They can equal these teams with 16 points and decide the net run rate in third and fourth place.
Delhi Capitals:- With 8 points in 10 matches and a negative net run rate, Delhi Capitals’ path to the playoffs is very difficult. Delhi has to play four matches with two teams in the final round. Delhi must play two matches against Chennai Super Kings and two matches against Punjab Kings. By winning all four matches, Delhi can score an astonishing 16 points, but to increase the net run rate, Delhi will have to win all the matches by a big margin. A single loss will knock Delhi Capitals out of the playoff race.
