New Delhi. Royal Challengers Bangalore have complicated the IPL playoffs equation with a brilliant comeback. Virat Kohli’s team has not only kept their hopes alive with 4 consecutive wins, but also spoiled the game of Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Supergiants. Till a week ago, it looked like Chennai (CSK) and Lucknow (LSG) would make it to the playoffs, but now they are engaged in do-or-die matches. Especially if Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings on Friday, MS Dhoni’s team may be in trouble. Let’s find out why and how.
Now every match of IPL 2024 has become important in the race for playoffs. On Wednesday, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Lucknow Supergiants and Mumbai Indians were eliminated. On Thursday, Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Punjab Kings and knocked them out of the playoffs. Now there is a match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans on Friday. If Chennai Super Kings win, they will have 14 points and their path to the playoffs will be open. But if Gujarat Titans beat Chennai then the playoff equation will get complicated. If Gujarat Titans lose, their playoff dream will be dashed here.
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Chennai Super Kings have three matches left. Currently he has 12 points. They can stay strong in the playoff race by beating Gujarat. But if he loses, the remaining two matches will become very important. Chennai’s next two matches are against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Both RR and RCB are in great form right now. In such a situation, CSK will not want to beat these teams to decide their path to the playoffs. Playing under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaekwad, CSK will be looking to beat Gujarat to get 14 points to make the road ahead easier.
Before understanding the complete equation of IPL playoffs, let’s know the position of 10 teams in the points table. Kolkata Knight Riders (16), Rajasthan Royals (16) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (14) occupy the first three positions in the points table. This is followed by Chennai Super Kings (12), Delhi Capitals (12) and Lucknow Supergiants (12) at the fourth, fifth and sixth positions respectively. Royal Challengers Bangalore are at the seventh position with 10 points. In a way, the fourth to seventh ranked teams ie Chennai, Delhi, Lucknow and Bengaluru are fighting to become the fourth team in the playoffs.
Tags: Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, IPL 2024, IPL play-offs, IPL Playoffs
First published: May 10, 2024, 15:20 IST