Although only six matches are yet to be played in the IPL 2023 league phase, seven teams still remain in the hunt for a place in the playoffs. The points table took another stride towards clarity as Delhi Capitals defeated Punjab Kings on Wednesday, 17 May, albeit, there is no dearth of permutations at this stage.
IPL 2023 Points Table after Delhi Capitals defeated Punjab Kings.
(Photo: The Quint)
Let us have a look at the qualification scenarios of all teams, following the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match:
1. Gujarat Titans
Already through to Qualifier 1.
2. Chennai Super Kings
IPL 2023: A win against Delhi Capitals could ensure a place in Qualifier 1 for Chennai Super Kings.
(Photo: BCCI)
Remaining Fixture: Delhi Capitals (20 May)
Qualification Scenarios:
If they win – Guaranteed playoffs berth; will also result in a Qualifier 1 place if Lucknow Super Giants don't beat Kolkata Knight Riders by a huge margin.
If they lose – Royal Challengers Bangalore must lose one of their remaining two matches, or alternatively, either Mumbai Indians or LSG must lose their last match.
3. Lucknow Super Giants
Remaining Fixture: Kolkata Knight Riders (20 May)
Qualification Scenarios:
If they win – Top 4 guaranteed, whilst they could also feature in Qualifier 1.
If they lose – Either Mumbai must lose their last match, or Bangalore must lose one of their last two games.
4. Mumbai Indians
IPL 2023: Mumbai Indians will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last league stage match.
(Photo: BCCI)
Remaining Fixture: Sunrisers Hyderabad (21 May)
Qualification Scenarios:
If they win – Either Chennai or Lucknow will have to lose their last match, or alternatively; Bangalore must lose one of their remaining two fixtures. In the second scenario, there will be a net run rate (NRR) battle.
If they lose – Bangalore must lose both of their remaining matches, Lucknow must beat Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab must beat Rajasthan Royals by a slender margin.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore
IPL 2023: Two straight wins will almost guarantee a top four finish for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
(Photo: BCCI)
Remaining Fixtures: Sunrisers Hyderabad (18 May), Gujarat Titans (21 May)
Qualification Scenarios:
If they win both – Top 4 will be almost secured, unless both Lucknow and Chennai win their last game, and Mumbai beat Hyderabad by an enormous margin.
If they win one – Mumbai must lose to Hyderabad, and Punjab must beat Rajasthan by a narrow margin. Kolkata, ideally, must lose to Lucknow, but if they win, it should not be a gigantic victory.
If they lose both – Elimination.
6. Rajasthan Royals
Remaining Fixture: Punjab Kings (19 May)
Qualification Scenario
Must-win game for Rajasthan. Even then, Mumbai must lose to Hyderabad, Bangalore must lose one match, and Kolkata must not win by a big margin.
7. Kolkata Knight Riders
Remaining Fixture: Lucknow Super Giants (20 May)
Qualification Scenario
Must beat LSG by a massive margin. In case that happens – Mumbai must lose to Hyderabad, RCB must lose at least one game by a huge margin, and Punjab must beat Rajasthan by a slender margin.
8. Punjab Kings
IPL 2023: Despite losing to Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings are still alive in the playoffs race.
(Photo: BCCI)
Remaining Fixture: Rajasthan Royals (19 May)
If they win – Mumbai and Kolkata must lose their last match, and Bangalore must lose one of their last two games. It will then trigger a three-pronged NRR fight.
If they lose – Elimination.
9, 10: Sunrisers Hyderabad & Delhi Capitals
Already eliminated. Better luck next time!
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)