IPL 2016: Kolkata Knight Riders' Play-Off Chances Dim, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Lions Qualify

After 54 matches, the 2016 Indian Premier League finally has teams that have qualified for the play-off stages. Gujarat Lions defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in Kanpur and Suresh Raina's team became the first to qualify the knock-outs. With Mumbai Indians' loss, Sunrisers Hyderabad have also qualified for the play-offs.

There are still two spots remaining for the play-offs. Here is what each team must do in order to secure the play-off spot.

Gujarat Lions
Current Position in Table: 1
Matches played: 14
Points: 18

Gujarat Lions have secured automatic qualification for the play-offs after their win over Mumbai Indians. They are also assured of finishing in the top-two, meaning they will have two shots at qualifying for the final.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Current Position in table: 2
Matches played: 13
Points: 16
Next match: Kolkata Knight Riders (May 22, Eden Gardens)

With Gujarat Lions' victory, Sunrisers Hyderabad have secured qualification for the play-offs. If they have to secure a top-two finish, they must win against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, there is rain forecast in Eden Gardens and if the match is washed out, they will seal the second spot. If they lose to KKR, they will slip to number three. If RCB beat DD, then they will slip to fourth.


Royal Challengers Bangalore
Current Position in Table: 3
Matches played: 13
Points: 14
Next match: Delhi Daredevils (May 22, Raipur)

Gujarat Lions' victory over Mumbai Indians has made it simple for Virat Kohli's team. With a net run-rate of +0.9, they are more or less assured qualification. However, if the game between KKR and SRH is rained out, then they will have to defeat Delhi Daredevils to secure the play-off spot. If KKR win and if they lose to DD, then RCB will be knocked out.

Kolkata Knight Riders
Current Position in table: 4
Matches played: 13
Points: 14
Next match: Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 22, Eden Gardens)

Kolkata Knight Riders' hopes rest on the outcome of their last league game. If they lose by a big margin to Sunrisers Hyderabad, then they will be knocked out, since a heavy loss could take their net run-rate below Mumbai Indians. If DD beat RCB by a low margin, then KKR can progress even if they lose their last game against SRH, provided they do not suffer a thrashing. With heavy rain forecast in Kolkata, if the match is washed out, then KKR will enter the play-offs.

Delhi Daredevils
Current Position in Table: 5
Matches played: 13
Points: 14
Next match: Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 22)

The equation is simple for Delhi Daredevils. A huge loss will see them exit the play-off race while a win will take them through.

Mumbai Indians
Current Position in table: 6
Matches played: 14
Points: 14

Mumbai Indians' play-off chances are very slim after their loss to Gujarat Lions. In order to make the play-offs, they must hope that KKR suffer a huge loss to SRH and that RCB defeat DD by a big margin. If the match between KKR and SRH is washed out, then Mumbai Indians will have to hope DD gets thrashed by RCB.