The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 has already witnessed 64 matches in the league stages but just one playoff spot has been sealed. Gujarat Titans have assured of a top 2 finish with 10 wins in 13 games. As many as 6 teams are technically still in the race for the last 3 positions. Advantage Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as the two sides have already reached the 16-point mark with just one game to go.

Delhi Capitals (DC) have also increased their chances with the 17-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS). DC replaced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the top 4. DC and RCB are tied on 14 points each from 13 matches but the former are at No.4 due to their superior Net Run Rate. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and PBKS are tied on 12 points each with KKR having a better NRR. SunRisers are also in the race with 10 points and 2 matches left to be played while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are out of contention.

Here we take a look at the possible qualification scenarios:

How can RCB qualify?

If RCB wins their last match against Gujarat Titans, then KKR, PBKS, and SRH cannot qualify. If RCB wins against GT and DC loses their last match against MI; then RCB will qualify and vice versa. Both RR and LSG need to win their last match to qualify without any Net Run Rate pressure.

How can RR qualify?

RR only needs to avoid a heavy defeat in their last game against CSK. They are assured of a place in the IPL 2022 playoffs if they win their last match. RR will fail to qualify if they lose to CSK by a big margin and all of LSG, DC and RCB win their last match and finish with a better Net Run Rate than them.

How can LSG qualify?

LSG has almost reached the IPL 2022 playoffs they only need to register a win over KKR in their final match. However, if they lose it by a big margin and DC and RCB win their remaining matches by a hefty margin, LSG might miss the chance to qualify to the knockout stage.

How can DC qualify?

DC has a great chance to qualify if they managed to register a win over MI in their last game thanks to their good NRR. If they lose, then they will have a chance to qualify only if RCB loses their final match. Apart from that, they will be hoping that SRH, KKR, and PBKS don’t get to 14 points or get there with a poorer NRR.

How can PBKS qualify?

PBKS’ big defeat to DC has seriously deterred their chances of reaching the IPL 2022 playoffs. Now they need to win their last game against SRH by a big margin to stand a chance of qualifying. PBKS can qualify if DC, RCB, and KKR lose their final matches. If KKR wins and RCB and DC lose, PBKS will require a hefty win in their final game to leapfrog Kolkata into the top 4.

How can KKR qualify?

KKR need nothing less than a victory in their final match to keep their playoffs hopes alive. If KKR lose, they are out of the race. Even with a victory, other results have to go KKR’s way. For KKR to qualify, DC and RCB have to lose their final games and the likes of PBKS and SRH don’t get to 14 points or get there with an inferior Net Run Rate. KKR’s 54-run win over SunRisers on May 14 did help their Net Run Rate.

How can SRH qualify?

SRH still has a chance to qualify for the IPL 2022 playoffs as they reached 10 points in their 7th game but have lost 5 in the row ever since. SRH need to beat both MI and PBKS by huge margins and hope DC and RCB failed to win their final match and KKR don’t win their final game against LSG or been if their win, their NRR is poorer. It looks improbable for SunRisers but Kane Williamson and his men will give it a good fight.