Lucknow Super Giants gave their playoffs qualification chances a big push with a thrilling victory over 5-time champions Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 clash on Tuesday. With defending champions Gujarat Titans being the only side to have secured their spot int he playoffs, as many as 7 other teams are still in the fray for the remaining three positions. Had MI beaten LSG, they would've all but qualified for the next round but the win for Krunal Pandya's men has made the playoffs scenario even more complex.
Punjab Kings: Net Run Rate of -0.268 is a problem for the Shikhar Dhawan-led side. For Punjab Kings to finish the league stage of the season among the top 4 sides, wins in both of the next two games are almost a necessity. A single defeat could see them get knocked out because of the poor NRR. Big wins in the next two games will certainly help their case.
Rajasthan Royals: One of the most promising sides of the season, Rajasthan Royals saw their entire season derail in the humiliating defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore last time around. They don't just need to win their final game by a big margin but also hope for some other results to fall in their favour.
A total of 5 teams can finish with 14 points or more which makes the scenario quite complex. The first job for the Royals would be to beat Punjab Kings and then hope for the best.
Kolkata Knight Riders: With just 12 points to their name and an NRR of -0.256, KKR's chances of playoffs qualification hang by a thread. They don't just need to beat Lucknow Super Giants by a big margin but also hope that other contenders lose by big margins too. Their qualification, hence, depends on multiple results falling into place.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals have already been knocked out of the race.