IPL 2017: 5 ways how Delhi Daredevils can still make it to the playoffs

Delhi need a lot of scenarios to go their way to qualify

Delhi Daredevils succumbed to their seventh defeat of the season when they lost to Mumbai Indians by 146 runs last night at Feroz Shah Kotla.

The defeat has dented their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs but more importantly, the huge margin of loss has affected their net-run-rate which becomes a crucial factor during final stages of the league stage.

Interestingly, Zaheer Khan - Delhi’s captain - is still optimistic about a place in the playoffs as he said during the post-match interview, “It's all about winning games, playoffs is still possible."

However, looking at the points table, even Delhi fans might find chances of them reaching the playoffs as next to negligible. But as we have seen in the past, weird things have happened in IPL and hence, Delhi still has more than a chance of finishing in the top four.

For Delhi to qualify, the following five things must happen.

#1 Delhi winning their all remaining games

From here on, every match Delhi play in this IPL is a knockout game for them. The equation is pretty simple for the Daredevils, win every game to stay alive.

After 11 matches, they have eight points courtesy of four wins and are placed at number seven on the points table. They still have three matches left in the league stage and they must win all of these games.

On 10th May, they play against Gujarat Lions at Kanpur. Gujarat has already been knocked out of the IPL and hence Raina and Co. will be playing a fearless brand of cricket as they have nothing to lose. The challenge for Delhi is to restrict the mighty batting line up of Gujarat and the strong bowling of Delhi is certainly capable of it.

The match against Rising Pune Supergiant at home on 12th May will be a huge test for Delhi as Pune at the moment look invincible. Loaded with high-quality players who are in tremendous form, Pune are looking set for a top two finish. On the other hand, the young Delhi team has had an erratic season so far but against Pune, their batting can make a difference.

On 14th May, the last match of Delhi is against Royal Challengers Bangalore who are going through a nightmare in this IPL. Delhi’s strong bowling unit can certainly add pressure on RCB's batting which has often collapsed this season.

These three games in five days are not an easy hurdle to pass but Delhi have the skills and the right set of players who can make the difference at the crunch moments. By winning these three matches, Delhi will earn six points which will push their overall points tally to 14.

With 14 points, Delhi will create a strong chance of finishing in the top four, provided other results go their way.

#2 Sunrisers losing their remaining two games

Image result for SRH sportskeeda
SRH have put themselves under pressure after their recent run

Sunrisers Hyderabad have six wins from 12 matches so far and with one more win, they could technically push Delhi out of the tournament. So, Delhi will have to hope that Hyderabad lose their remaining two games.

The defending champions had a good start to this season but have lost the purple patch and the team is facing serious issues in the middle order. Considering the nature of Hyderabad’s troubles, their remaining two games seem to be a huge challenge for them.

On 8th May, SRH face the best team of this IPL 2017, Mumbai Indians and on 13th May, they take on Gujarat Lions. Both teams have strong squads and hence Hyderabad will find it difficult to topple them.

If Hyderabad lose their remaining two games, they will finish with six wins and will be behind Delhi. (the scenario is based on the assumption that Delhi win their remaining three games).

#3 Punjab not winning more than one match from their remaining four games

Image result for punjab sportskeeda
Maxwell’s side need two wins to knock Delhi out

Of all the points which must happen for Delhi to qualify for the playoffs, this looks to be the most difficult one. Punjab have five wins from 10 matches and with two wins in their remaining four games, they will book a place in the play-offs.

However, the good thing for Delhi is the fact that out of these four games, three are against the top three teams in this year’s IPL. On 7th May, Punjab face Gujarat Lions at Chandigarh and then they have matches against KKR, Mumbai and Pune on 9th, 11th and 14th May respectively.

Punjab have benefited by the tremendous form of their top order, but their vulnerability can be a headache while the inexperienced bowlers who have impressed everyone so far can crumble under pressure. Hence, facing big teams in crucial games could be a tough ask for Punjab and thus Delhi will hope that in the remaining four games, Punjab don’t win more than one match.

If Punjab finish the league stage with six wins, Delhi will move ahead of them and will have a chance for qualifying for the playoffs.

#4 No change in the top three positions

Image result for Pune sportskeeda
Delhi will hope the top three keep their spots

Another key element for Delhi to qualify for the playoffs is the performance of the top three teams. Currently, Mumbai Indians are at the top followed by Rising Pune Supergiant and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Importantly, all these three teams have seven or more wins and hence Delhi cannot go ahead of them. So, Delhi should hope that these teams stay where they are and in fact consolidate their positions.

By having solidity at the top three, it becomes easy for Delhi to acquire the fourth spot. If some other team enters the top three then automatically one from KKR or Pune will slip to number four and as mentioned earlier, Dehli cannot go ahead of any of the three teams.

#5 Net run rate

Image result for zaheer khan sportskeeda
Zaheer Khan’s side can’t entirely ignore the NRR

If the above four previous situations happen, then Delhi won’t have to bother about the net run rate, but to stay on the safer side, they should work on this factor as well.

Last night’s huge defeat against Mumbai has heavily damaged their net run rate and currently, it is at -0.660. If Delhi win their remaining three matches, then automatically their net run rate gets a boost.

Daredevils should aim for a positive net run rate which will further consolidate their position. If Punjab finish with seven wins then between Delhi and Punjab, the one with the better net run rate will move ahead and currently, Punjab’s net run rate is at +0.292.

So, Delhi have to keep the factor of the net run rate in mind as well. They don’t need big margin victories but at the same time, they cannot afford all three games to go till the end.

Check RCB Squad 2024 Details. Follow Sportskeeda for IPL 2024 Live Score, Schedule, Points Table

Quick Links

Edited by Staff Editor