IPL 2016 Playoff Scenario: How and which teams can qualify

As the IPL is progressing rapidly and nearing the business stage, every match now has different implications on a team‘s fortunes. With only four spots up for grabs, even the slightest of mishaps might come to haunt the captains. There is an extra incentive for teams finishing inside the top two positions of the table with an extra opportunity in the play-offs.

Let us take a look at what each of the 8 teams need to do if they are to capture a spot in the play-offs and give themselves the chance to lift the trophy.

Note: The points table is updated after the 42nd match of the league between SRH and DD in Hyderabad

IPL 2016 Points Table

Rank	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points	NRR
1	Sunrisers Hyderabad	11	7	4	14	+0.417
2	Gujarat Lions	11	7	4	14	-0.138
3	Delhi Daredevils	10	6	4	12	+0.376
4	Kolkata Knight Riders	10	6	4	12	+0.206
5	Mumbai Indians	10	5	5	10	-0.346
6	Royal Challengers Bangalore	10	4	6	8	-0.041
7	Rising Pune Supergiants	11	3	8	6	+0.118
8	Kings XI Punjab	10	3	7	6	-0.567

Gujarat Lions

Remaining Matches: RCB (May 14), KKR (May 19), MI (May 21)

The newly formed franchise is currently sitting on top of the table and need only one more victory to almost seal a spot in the final four. However, their net run-rate is still pretty poor which could mean that the Lions might have to win two more to guarantee themselves.

The only problem is that the rest of their fixtures are all against strong teams. The Suresh Raina-led side travels to Bengaluru to take on a rejuvenated RCB side before finishing the group stage in Kanpur. A victory against fellow aspirant KKR will massively help them in their pursuit of finishing within the top two.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad

Remaining Matches: RPS (May 10), DD (May 12), KXIP (May 15), DD (May 20), KKR (May 22)

Perhaps the most impressive team in the tournament so far, the Sunrisers are in a great position. A penchant for eking out hard-fought wins has given them 12 points with still five more matches to play.

With a couple of those against bottom placed teams, skipper David Warner would feel confident about finishing within the top two. A strong net run-rate also allows them the luxury of three losses in case things go awry. The double date with Delhi Daredevils will be crucial to determining their final standing.

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Kolkata Knight Riders

Remaining Matches: RPS (May 14), RCB (May 16), GL (May 19), SRH (May 22)

A dedicated top-order has put the two-time champions in a decent situation with three victories confirming a play-off spot. The net run-rate is in the positive which could make two wins enough as well.

Gautam Gambhir would want his troops to grab vital points in the clash against the Supergiants which will ease the pressure on the final few matches which are against in-form outfits.With three of those four matches scheduled at the Eden Gardens, the Knightriders must win against either the Lions or the Sunrisers if they are to entertain thoughts of a top two finish.

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Delhi Daredevils

Remaining Matches: SRH (May 12), MI (May 15), RPS (May 17), SRH (May 20), RCB (May 22)

The very fact that Delhi Daredevils are in the reckoning for a final four spot is a testament to the effective synchronization between mentor Rahul Dravid and skipper Zaheer Khan. With five matches in hand and a solid net run-rate to boot, clinical victories in three matches coupled with two close defeats should take them through to the knockouts.

But, there are no more home matches and adapting to different pitches will be key. If the Daredevils win all their other matches, then they need to claim victory in at least one of the two contests against the Sunrisers to end up in the top two.

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Mumbai Indians

Remaining Matches: RCB (May 11), KXIP (May 13), DD (May 15), GL (May 21)

It has become a habit for Mumbai Indians to start the tournament on a bad note only to somehow managing to resuscitate themselves and sneaking into the play-offs. The scenario is no different this time as well and Rohit Sharma’s team can afford only one more loss.

But with a negative net run-rate, victories in all matches might be the way to go. Before heading into their final group match at Kanpur, Mumbai must not get themselves into a tricky position since four other contenders will be in action during the following day. A top two finish may not be in their hands if the Lions win the next couple of matches.

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Royal Challengers Bangalore

Remaining Matches: MI (May 11), GL (May 14), KKR (May 16), KXIP (May 18), DD (May 22)

Even though Virat Kohli is taking the country by storm with his astounding batting, his team is not yet able to match his exploits. However, back to back wins against the bottom ranked teams has breathed new life into their fortunes.

At most, RCB can bear only one loss due to their acceptable net run-rate. Despite three home fixtures, a fragile bowling attack could severely hamper their chances. A dangerous away match against KKR should also increase their worries. One advantage is that they play the final group match of the season and hence would know what needs to be done.

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Rising Pune Supergiants

Remaining Matches: SRH (May 10), KKR (May 14), DD (May 17), KXIP (May 21)

Having to grapple with injuries and out of form key players, MS Dhoni’s side are only ahead of Kings XI Punjab on net run-rate. Even if Pune somehow go on to win all their remaining fixtures, they need the top three teams to not drop any points against the troika of MI, DD, RCB which makes their task extremely improbable.

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Kings XI Punjab

Remaining Matches: MI (May 13), SRH (May 15), RCB (May 18), RPS (May 21)

After enduring a horror start to the season, a change in captaincy helped them notch up a few victories. Languishing at the bottom of the table, there is only a mathematical chance of reaching the final four. For that, they have to win all their remaining matches by a huge margin and hope that MI/DD do not post three more victories each.