As the 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 approaches its conclusion, the competition is heating up. Following a recent win in a nail-biting 2-run triumph against two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (on Wednesday, May 18), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were the 2nd team to secure a spot in the Indian T20 League IPL 2022 Playoffs.

Gujarat Titans and Super Giants, the 2 additional franchises in IPL 2022, were the 1st 2 teams to secure a ticket to the playoffs, however, the 3 most accomplished teams, Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), were shown exit early.

IPL 2022 Playoffs Teams Possibilities

#5 Sunrisers Hyderabad

The scenario for SRH, who are now in eighth place in the standings and with statistics that are comparable to that of PBKS, with the exception that their NRR is -0.230, makes things difficult for them. SRH will have to survive their match against PBKS by a significant margin, and they will also have to wish that both DC & RCB, drop their remaining league matches by a significant margin. They will compete versus Punjab Kings in their last fixture (on May 22, Sunday).

#4 Punjab Kings

The Punjab Kings are currently in sixth place with a total of 12 points and a poor NRR (-0.043). To keep their hopes of making the playoffs intact, they can’t settle for anything less than a resounding win in their last league match versus Hyderabad. In addition, PBKS wishes RCB and DC to drop the fixtures remaining and for there to be a 3-way tie for 14 points. Additionally, in order for PBKS to move up to the fourth spot, it is necessary for DC to suffer a crushing defeat in their final match. They will play each other in the last fixture against Hyderabad (on May 22, Sunday).

#3 Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB is 5th with 14 points and -0.323 NRR and must beat Gujarat Titans to enter the playoffs. RCB will also hope DC doesn’t win their last match, which will also end their possibilities. Assuming RCB lose their last match and it’s a 3-way split on 14 points, they won’t qualify since DC has a better NRR. However if they lose, they could tie for 4th with DC and the SRH-PBKS winning team. Bangalore’s final league encounter is against GT (on May 19, Thursday)

#2 Delhi Capitals

Assuming DC beats Mumbai on Saturday, they’ll be in the playoffs. And, a +0.255 NRR will help them reach the playoffs. Delhi could be eliminated even though they win their last match if RCB beats Goa by a significant margin and gets 16 points, which seems unlikely. DC should wish RCB loses their last match and PBKS or SRH doesn’t earn a superior NRR if a 3-way split on 14 points emerges. Mumbai will be Delhi’s will be against Mumbai (on May 21, Saturday).

#1 Rajasthan Royals

RR had 16 points and a +0.304 Net Run Rate. Rajasthan would surpass LSG into the 2nd spot if they defeat CSK in their last match. Although if RR loses, they have a reasonable shot at going if RCB or DC have a superior NRR in a 3-way tie on 16 points. RCB must beat Gujarat Titans by a large margin to leapfrog RR in the standings. Rajasthan’s last league match will be against Chennai (May 20, Friday).