Since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 heads into the last week of the league season, the competition to make it into the playoffs – sets the stage on fire. Meanwhile, 3 out of the 4 available berths are still currently vacant. With a seven-wicket victory against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, Gujarat Titans clinched the leading position in the contest, offering 20 points after 13 games, Let us see Who will Qualify For Playoffs?

On the other side, the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were the 2nd team, after the five-time champions Mumbai Indians(MI), were nullified from the competition due to a dismal performance throughout the contest.

Probable Playoff Contexts For RCB & KKR

Royal Challengers Bangalore: (M:13, W:7, L:6, Pts: 14, NRR: -0.323)

RCB is hoping to make the IPL 2022 playoffs, however, the trail is not smooth. Faf du Plessis’s RCB is 5th in the league with 14 points from 13 fixtures. Delhi Capitals also have the same 14 points from 13 fixtures but a higher NRR. RCB is in a difficult position in terms of qualifying prospects. Their matchup versus Titans would be a must-win due to their awful NRR, which is the 2nd lowest behind Mumbai Indians.

However, the NRR for LSG is +0.262, whereas the NRR for RR is +0.304. So, if RCB survives and there is a four-way split at 16 points, and if both LSG and RR drop their remaining league games, DC, LSG, and RR have a greater shot at the playoffs unless Bangalore wins big against Gujarat Titans on May 19, Thursday. However, if DC loses their final league game and RCB wins their final league game, the RCB will advance to the playoffs as the third or fourth-placed side.

If RCB loses against GT, they will remain at 14 points. Meanwhile, if DC wins their final league game versus Mumbai Indians, RCB would be eliminated from the playoff contention because DC will have 16 points.

#Kolkata Knight Riders: (M: 13, W:6, L:7, Pts: 12, NRR: +0.160) 

IPL 2021 runner-up, KKR will play 3rd-placed Lucknow Super Giants in a match that is a “do or die” scenario on May 18, Wednesday, the Knight Riders will likewise be in a hopeless scenario. Assuming Lucknow wins, it will secure a spot in the playoffs after beating the two-time champion.

KKR has a shot at the playoffs! Nonetheless, it’s a closely packed scenario. They must win their final match by as large a margin as feasible in order for it to unfold. To ensure that the team with 14 points, RCB, loses to GT and that the survivor of DC versus PBKS loses their last match, hope is in order. The NRR will play a role if 5 teams conclude with 14 points. In comparison to SRH (-0.270), KKR has a much higher NRR (+0.160).

KKR must win their penultimate game to have any chance of making the playoffs. Losing would effectively end their chances of competing in this year’s race. However, if KKR wins, the rest of the game must go in their favor.

DC and RCB should both lose their remaining games, while PBKS and SRH should either not reach 14 points or reach 14 points with a lower Net Run Rate in order for KKR to qualify. On May 14, KKR defeated SunRisers by a score of 54 runs, which resulted in the enhancement of their Net Run Rate (NRR).