The league stage of the Indian Playerzpot League 2023 coming to an end this week, with seven teams are still in contention for playoffs. The ongoing season of the tournament has already provided the spectators with excitement, thrill, and nail-biting finishes. Most of the teams performed really well and maintained their strong position as the title favourites this season, while some teams disappointed the fans. However, the fight for the spot knockout stage has been very much evident in the second stage of the Indian Playerzpot League 2023.
Talking about the qualification scenario for the playoffs, Gujarat became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after defeating Hyderabad by 34 runs in the previous match. This is the second consecutive season that Gujarat managed to become the first team to reach the knockout stage of the tournament. Meanwhile, Delhi and Hyderabad are no more in contention for playoffs as they have been knocked out of the season. The final three spots for the knockout stage is still open with seven teams fighting for it – Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, Rajasthan, Bangalore, Punjab, and Kolkata.
Here is the qualification for the playoffs scenario of seven teams
#1 Chennai: Chennai are having a good season so far and are currently at the second spot in the points table, with 15 points after 12 games. MS Dhoni-led side’s last league stage match is against Delhi. A win will guarantee their qualification for playoffs by finishing second in the league stage of the tournament. If Chennai lose, they will still qualify for the knockout stage. However, to remain in the top four in the points table, Chennai will need Bangalore and Punjab not to win their remaining matches of the ongoing season of the Indian Playerzpot League.
#2 Mumbai: After having a disappointing start to the season, Mumbai have bounced back and broke into the top 4 in the points table. They are currently in the third position with 14 points after 12 matches. Their chances to qualify for the knockout stage increased with two consecutive wins against Bangalore and Gujarat. Mumbai will face Lucknow and Hyderabad in their remaining matches of the league stage. If they win both games, they will easily qualify for playoffs with 18 points. But, if they win one out of the remaining matches, they can still qualify but need other results to go in their favour.
#3 Lucknow: Lucknow are currently at the four spot in the points table with 13 points after 12 games. Their remaining two matches against Mumbai and Kolkata are very much as they need to win both games in order to qualify for the playoffs. In case they one out of the remaining two games, their qualification chances for the playoff will be in danger if other results don’t go in their favour. The Net Run Rate (NRR) will play a role here to determine Lucknow’s spot in the playoffs. If Punjab or Bangalore win their remaining two matches, Lucknow’s playoff chances may hamper.
#4 Bangalore: Bangalore are currently at the fifth spot in the league stage, with 12 points after 12 games. F du Plessis’s side’s win against Rajasthan increased their chances to qualify for the playoffs. Bangalore will face Hyderabad and Gujarat in the remaining matches of the league stage. They need to win the remaining two games and also depend on other results for them to qualify for the playoffs. If Bangalore win one of the remaining games, it is mathematically possible for them to qualify if Mumbai loses their remaining games in the league stage.
#5 Rajasthan: After a great start to the season, Rajasthan have failed to maintain consistency and are currently sitting sixth in the points with 12 points after 13 games. S Samson-led side’s heavy defeat against Bangalore and Lucknow’s win against Hyderabad hampered their chances of qualifying for playoffs. Rajasthan will play their last league stage match against Punjab and winning cannot guarantee their spot in the playoffs if other results don’t go in their favor. The Net Run Rate (NRR) of other teams will determine their spot in the playoffs. If Rajasthan is to qualify, then Lucknow, Bangalore, and Punjab have to lose their remaining matches in the league stage.
#6 Kolkata: Kolkata are at the seven spot in the points table, with 12 points after 13 games. N Rana-led side’s qualification chances looking grim at the moment as they have to win their final match against Lucknow. If they win against Lucknow, it will take Kolkata to 14 points. With two Gujarat and Chennai are already above 14 and Mumbai on 14, KKR can at best finish at 4th if their results go in their way. However, for Kolkata to qualify for the playoffs, Lucknow, Bangalore, Rajasthan, and Punjab have to lose their remaining matches in their league stage.
#7 Punjab: Punjab are currently at the eighth spot with 12 points after 14 matches. S Dhawan’s will play their remaining two matches against Delhi and Rajasthan in the league stage. If Punjab wins the remaining two games, they will break into the top 4 and qualify for playoffs. However, they need other results to go in their favour. If Punjab wins one out of the remaining two matches, then it would be difficult for them to qualify as they have a poor net run rate. So, winning the last two games in the league stage is the only chance for Punjab to qualify for the knockout stage.
