IPL 2018: What to expect from the last week of the league stage

As the IPL league stage enters its last week, the tournament has managed to grab the eyeballs of all kinds of audience. Most matches have gone down to the wire, and teams like Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified.

The Delhi Daredevils may have bowed out of the playoffs race, but they can still be party poppers by turning a few results in their favor.

So, as we head into the final week, here are the teams which can still make the two remaining playoff spots:

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#1 Kings XI Punjab (12 points from 11 games; NRR -0.05)

The Kings from Punjab had a dream start to this IPL, as a resurgent Ashwin was marvellously leading his troops. But a recent run of torrid form, and an alleged spat within the management have not helped the team's cause.

They have games left against RCB, MI and CSK. Two victories in these three games would put them in a good position to qualify.

The games against RCB and MI would be crucial, as they are virtual 4-pointers with both teams still hoping to make the playoffs. While the Super Kings would want to test their bench strength, KXIP must make the most use of it to earn points. It would also help to win big in order to make the net run rate positive.

#2 Kolkata Knight Riders (12 points from 12 games; NRR -0.18)

Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders are riding high on confidence after a resounding win over KXIP. Though bowling has been a slight problem, it has been pleasing to see young guns like Shivam Mavi, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill step up to the occasion.

Two wins from two games should ensure qualification.

The game against Rajasthan Royals will be crucial as a win for Kolkata will seal the fate of the re-emerging RR. The game against Hyderabad will also be a tough one, given the recent form of SRH as well as the earlier meeting between the two teams.

#3 Rajasthan Royals (12 points from 12 games; NRR -0.347)

Rajasthan Royals

Much like their slogan, Rajasthan Royals are in "Phir Halla Bol" mode. After a poor start to the tournament, the Royal Blues have picked up momentum by winning back-to-back games.

Their wrecker-in-chief, Jos Buttler, has been in top form. Just like the Knight Riders, two wins in two games could seal qualification.

But unfortunately, both games are virtual 4-pointers as RCB and KKR are also playoff hopefuls. A loss in any of these games could push the fight to net run rate, which does not look good for RR owing to the poor start they had.

While Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer are in tremendous form, the same cannot be said of D'Arcy Short, Ben Stokes and skipper Rahane.

#4 Mumbai Indians (10 points from 12 games; NRR +0.40)

Mumbai Indians

The loss to RR has put Mumbai Indians in a difficult spot, and all games from here are a must-win. Though the net run rate looks good for the Mumbaikars, their inconsistency has been clearly evident as they have struggled at home this season.

Though it has been amazing to watch the likes of Lewis, Rohit, Hardik and McClenaghan, the form of Bumrah and 'wonder boy' Mayank Markande have been a big concern.

The game against Punjab will be crucial to their playoff chances as a win would pull down Punjab. They also need to be wary of the Delhi Daredevils, who have resorted to playing freely after being ousted from the title race and can be party poppers. A loss in any of these games would mean 'bye-bye' for the Mumbai Indians.

#5 Royal Challengers Bangalore (8 points from 11 games; NRR -0.26)

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Much like the previous editions, RCB have successfully managed to put themselves into a position where they need to win all the remaining games. A lot of their success rides on the form of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

While the bowling has seemed to click in recent games, only a more dedicated performance from the rest of the team would be able to help the team's cause.

The games against Punjab and Rajasthan are crucial for all the many reasons as said earlier. Big wins can help make the net run rate positive, which would, in turn, help the team's cause as the fight for fourth spot will go down to NRR.

Though qualification seems unlikely, they could still give it their all, at least for the vocal and supportive fans they have.

The IPL seems to be headed for an interesting finish with a huge number of combinations possible. It all depends on how each team fares on a given day, and hence justifies the slogan of this IPL: Best vs Best.