The Indian Premier League has almost completed the two-third part of its ongoing season. All the 8 teams have at least played 10 games in the 2021 version of the league. However, the race to make it to the top 4 is still in process as no team has sealed their berth in the playoffs so far. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals are just a step behind to cement their spots in IPL 2021 playoffs. As for Virat Kohli’s RCB, the Bangalore-based team has increased their chances with two back-to-back wins in the league after a dull start in the UAE.
Which Teams Can Qualify For IPL 2021 Playoff
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings are at the top of the Indian Premier League 2021 points table. The Chennai-based team has secured 16 points in 10 games with a total of 8 wins and 2 losses in the season so far. Chennai Super Kings just need one win to book their spot in the elimination round. MS Dhoni and his “Yellow Brigade” have dominated the cash-rich league this year. CSK are currently on a three-match winning streak and has managed to win 4 out of their last 5 league games. CSK have the best NRR of +1.069 in the IPL.
CSK’s Remaining Fixtures In The Season
September 30, 2021: Sunrisers Hyderabad
October 2nd, 2021: Rajasthan Royals
October 4th, 2021: Delhi Capitals
October 7th, 2021: Punjab Kings
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals had the golden chance to become the first team to qualify for this season’s playoff with a win over KKR in their previous match. DC, however, went on to lose the game by 3 wickets. Nevertheless, Delhi are still 2nd in the IPL 2021 points table with 16 points and a total of 8 wins and 3 losses in 11 games so far. Delhi’s four-match winning streak came to an end in the latest outing. Rishabh Pant’s team has a positive NRR of +0.562. Delhi are likely to reach the playoffs of this season and are expected to finish in the top 2.
DC Remaining Fixtures In The Season
October 2nd, 2021: Mumbai Indians
October 4th, 2021: Chennai Super Kings
October 8th, 2021: Royal Challengers Bangalore
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Virat Kohli had a dream start to the IPL 2021 campaign with 4 wins in a trot. After facing a minor setback against CSK in their 5th match of the season, RCB bounced back in an orderly manner to clinch a win against the Delhi Capitals in the 6th match of the 2021 season. However, things went downhill for the Bangalore-based franchise since that game as RCB suffered three losses in a row. Nevertheless, great teams are known for their fightback and RCB have just proved that they are ready to challenge for the auspicious cup this season.
RCB managed to emerge victorious against Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals after their poor run in form. RCB are currently 3rd in the points table with 14 points and an NRR of -0.200. RCB will play Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals in their remaining IPL 2021 fixtures. RCB are expected to propel over the likes of PK and SRH given their recent form. RCB should make it to the playoff this season.
RCB’s Remaining Fixtures In The Season
October 3rd, 2021: Punjab Kings
October 6th, 2021: Sunrisers Hyderabad
October 8th, 2021: Delhi Capitals
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Now, here where it gets tricky, it will narrow down between either KKR or MI to grasp the last spot in the playoff. Our bet is one of the Kolkata-based teams. Kolkata Knight Riders’ remaining fixtures in the group stage are against Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals. KKR can eye a dominating win against Punjab Kings and SRH to increase the NRR. The clash against RR can prove to be a tricky one but KKR carries enough potential to turn a game in their favor. KKR has a positive NRR of +0.363 and has a total of 10 points in 11 games.
As for Mumbai, the defending champions have a negative NRR of -0.453 but they also have similar points to that of KKR in IPL 2021. Mumbai Indians remaining fixtures are against Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. A heavy loss against DC might damage MI’s NRR to an extent that will pave the way for KKR to enter the playoffs.
KKR’s Remaining Fixtures In The Season
October 1st, 2021: Punjab Kings
October 3rd, 2021: Sunrisers Hyderabad
October 7th, 2021: Rajasthan Royals
