Internet Desk: It’s the business end of Indian Premier League (IPL) season 10 with the top four teams vying for a place in the play-offs. Barring the exception of last year’s finalists Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils and Gujarat Lions all the remaining five teams have a chance to qualify for the Play-offs. Two time champions Mumbai Indians are already guaranteed a place in the Play-offs registering 18 points from 12 matches so far. At least four teams are in the fray to seal a berth in the Play-offs. Kolkata Knight Riders, Rising Pune Supergiant, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab are in the running for a top four finish.
The top two teams clash with each other in the ‘1st Qualifier’, with the winner directly qualifying for the final. The losing team in the ‘1st Qualifier’ gets another opportunity to qualify for the final by playing against the winner of the Eliminator in the ‘2nd Qualifier’. Let’s look at where the teams stand and needs to do to qualify for the Play-offs.
Mumbai Indians: Undoubtedly the most consistent team of the IPL 10. The team led by Rohit Sharma heads the points table with 18 points from 12 matches. Mumbai have lost just three games in the tournament. Out of the three losses two were against Rising Pune Supergiant and the other one was against Sunrisers. They have the most (9) wins in the league. Irrespective of the result in the remaining two matches against Kings XI Punjab (May 11) and Knight Riders (May 13), MI looks certain for a place in the play-offs. They will need at least one win to guarantee a place in the top two.
Played – 12
Points – 18
Matches remaining – 2
Opponents – Kings XI Punjab (May 11) & Kolkata Knight Riders (May 13)
Rising Pune Supergiant: Steve Smith’s side has surprised everyone with their performance in the later stages of the tournament. The Rising Pune Supergiant has so far earned 16 points from 12 games and is now placed at third spot in the points table. If they manage to win their remaining two matches coming up against Delhi Daredevils (May 12) and Kings XI Punjab (May 14) respectively, they will end up with 20 points and will finish in top two spot. But if they lose both matches then they will risk qualifying for the play-offs.
Played – 12
Points – 16
Matches remaining – 2
Opponents – Delhi Daredevils (May 12) & Kings XI Punjab (May 14)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: The defending champions made a great start to the tournament but lacked consistency. The Sunrisers have managed 15 points from 13 matches so far. David Warner’s side has 7 wins to their credit while losing 5 matches as well. Sunrisers face a must win situation against Gujarat Lions in their last match on May 13. A win will take their tally to 17 points which will mean even if Kings XI Punjab wins their remaining two matches, they will end up with 16 points.
Played – 13
Points – 15 points
Matches remaining – 1
Opponent – Gujarat Lions (May 13)
Kolkata Knight Riders: Although the two time champions are placed in the 2nd spot in the points table, a loss in their last league encounter against Mumbai Indians may see their hopes of play-offs get dashed. The Knight Riders have so far gathered 16 points from 13 matches with 8 wins and 5 losses. But a win in the last match against MI at Eden Gardens can see them ending up with a top two finish, provided Rising Pune Supergiant lose either of their remaining two matches.
Played – 13
Points – 16 points
Matches remaining – 1
Opponent- Mumbai Indians (May 13)
Kings XI Punjab: Glenn Maxwell’s team have an outside chance to make it to the playoffs stage if they their remaining games two matches against Mumbai Indians (May 11) & Rising Pune Supergiant (May 14) respectively. Presently, KXIP are placed at fifth spot in the points-table with 12 points from 12 games (6 wins and 6 losses). They will have to win both their matches but, the Glenn Maxwell-led team hasn’t been a consistent side, and that has been its biggest drawback. If they still manage to win all their remaining matches then KXIP could displace any of the side above them to make it to the playoffs.
Played – 12
Points – 12
Matches remaining – 2
Opponents – Mumbai Indians (May 11) & Rising Pune Supergiant (May 14)