Playoffs IPL 2017: Teams With The Best Chances To Make To The Top 4

IPL 2017 started in a dominant fashion where 3 teams(MI, KKR and SRH) proved to be clear contenders for the playoffs as teams like RCB and DD failed miserably and were out of the race. As the league progressed, GL went on to lose continuously, thereby ruining their chances for the playoffs. Under the leadership of Steve Smith, RPS started climbing up the points table and are placed 3rd after 52 matches. But a late surge from the KXIP has revived their chances for the playoffs.Thus even after 52 matches we are yet to know the top 4 teams. MI, being the only side to qualify for the playoffs, 4 teams will now compete for 3 spots to make to the playoffs. It is important to note that each of the teams are left with a single match to cement their place in the playoffs.

Rank      Teams                               Points                 Net Run Rate

1.             Mumbai Indians     (Q)          18                    +0.81
2.             Kolkatta Knight Riders          16                    +0.729
3.             Rising Pune Supergiants       16                     -0.083
4.             Sunrisers Hyderabad             15                    +0.565
5.             Kings Eleven Punjab              14                    +0.296

Battle for the top two spots.

Mumbai has already paved its way to the playoffs and are at the peak of the table at this stage. However, MI play KKR as their last league match. It will be an important match for Gambhir-led KKR side as they choked in the later stage of the league matches despite a solid start to the tournament. If KKR wins against MI, MI and KKR are likely to take the top two spots with 18 points each. Even if RPS wins its next match, it will equal the points with KKR and MI but will lag as far as Net Run Rate (NRR) is concerned.

If KKR loses, it will have to rely on the results of the other 3 matches to know their destiny. Moreover if KKR loses, it will also liven SRH’s chances to make to the top two. If SRH defeats RPS, with 17 points, it will cement the second position.

However KKR are likely to make to the top two with an added advantage of a better NRR.

No 3 and 4.

RPS,SRH and KXIP will vie for the other two place in the playoffs. KXIP has shown some serious form over the last few matches and are well capable to make to the playoffs. It is mandatory for KXIP to win their last match to see the chances of making to the playoffs. KXIP will play against RPS on the final day of league matches. If KXIP loses, it will be an end to all these complex mathematical calculations as KKR,SRH and RPS will make to the playoffs. If RPS loses, they’ll land in deep trouble as they have a negative NRR.

In a nutshell, only one statement for these 4 teams “Do or Die”.

Most likely results of the concerned 3 matches:

• Gl v/s SRH:-      SRH will win
• MI v/s KKR:-      KKR will win
• RPS v/s KXIP:-   KXIP will win

Predicted playoffs qualifiers:

1. Mumbai Indians
2. Kolkatta Knight Riders
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad
4. Kings XI Punjab.

Cricket is a game of uncertainties and you never know who makes it and who is kicked out. Of the four teams vying for the Playoff berths, one of them is going back disappointed. So, have a cup of coffee in your hand and enjoy the weekend with these ‘fate deciding‘ matches.