As the competition intensifies, the teams in IPL are playing tough to ensure for playoffs. The most invariable factors coming into picture exposes how the competition is getting tightened among the players to make it to top 4. As the first three spots have already occupied, the race for the fourth has begun.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season is fast approaching to its business end, the competition for playoffs progresses to be a nail-biting contest, more. Left with only 13 days from now, we will gain knowledge on which teams will advance to the playoffs from the second half of the season. Although the competition has been neck-and-neck throughout, no one side has officially advanced for the playoff hunt after 56 matches. In the meanwhile, the competition among the teams hoping to crack the top four has been highly competitive.
Here are the five teams in the IPL 2022 points table that have a chance to turn the table:
#5 Punjab Kings (W: 5, L: 6, NRR: -0.231, Pts: 10)
Punjab Kings is among the sides in the competition that is failing to acquire significant points and move up in the standings. Just twice in the earlier 14 campaigns, they made the playoffs, and their struggles persist again this year. PBKS has competed in 11 fixtures thus far, winning just 5 and losing 6.
As a consequence, they are ranked 8th in the standings. Their prospects of making the final 4 are bleak, but not zero. They play RCB, DC, and SRH in the league phase. Oddly, all 3 clubs are in the playoff hunt. They will have to increase their NRR by winning matches admirably.
#4 Kolkata Knight Riders (W: 5, L: 7, NRR: -0.057, Pts: 10)
KKR are also on the verge of joining MI, although they are statistically still in the mix. Under the supervision of Shreyas Iyer, the two-time champions performed well in their first few matches and seemed to have great potential. But, they decelerated in the middle of the season, and five consecutive losses wrecked their effort.
KKR has just 5 wins in 12 games and is now ranked 7th in the team rankings. T here is still a possibility and the Knight Riders have excellent cause to perform well in their remaining fixtures. KKR might possibly move up to 4th if they win their consecutive games by huge margins and other outcomes go in their favor. The Knight Riders would be thrilled to make the last four, considering their present status.
#3 Sunrisers Hyderabad (W: 5, L: 5, NRR: -0.031, Pts: 10)
After a great opening quarter of the IPL 2022, Kane Williamson and the team have gone off the rails. They have now lost 4 consecutive matches. If they hope to survive in the playoff hunt, they must win their remaining three consecutive matches by large margins, while simultaneously improving their NRR and securing two points from each contest.
Similar to DC, SRH will only be in contention if RCB loses one of their final two matches. If both RCB and DC lose a game, SRH must win all of theirs to meet that standard. If DC loses 2 of their 3 matches, their journey will be smoother.
#2 Delhi Capitals (W: 5, L: 6, NRR: +0.150, Pts: 10)
Rishabh Pant & team must win their upcoming games in order to have a prospect. Unfortunately, even it might not be enough; what they really need basically is 16 points. Delhi must hope that Royal Challengers Bangalore drops at least one match since DC can earn a maximum of 16 points.
Five victories out of ten games and a positive net run differential were the greatest among the 10 squads before their match against CSK. However, a massive setback versus CSK has significantly diminished their prospects. Their NRR is still favorable, which is a boost, but they must now win all 3 matches to qualify for the Playoffs. Even so, they would remain in the hunt for a comfortable position.
#1 Royal Challengers Bangalore (W: 7, L: 5, NRR: -0.115, Pts:14)
Following victories against Chennai & Hyderabad, Faf du Plessis and company are back on course. To make the playoffs without a hitch, they must win their next two matches. Bangalore has the highest probability of advancing for the IPL 2022 Playoffs. They presently have 14 points after 12 games, and their impressive victory over SRH has strengthened their NRR.
A victory here would nearly assure RCB a playoff position, but two victories would cement it. They have strong teams coming up against Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. RCB against PBKS is a knock-out for Punjab, and if RCB loses, the GT game is also a knock-out. Expect RCB to win 1 of their remaining 2 games to finish with 16 points and advance for the Playoffs.
