IPL 2024 Playoffs Prospects: With RR’s late collapse, CSK and SRH are vying for the top two spots. Two teams have already guaranteed a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs: KKR, who are currently atop the standings, and RR, who are facing a troubling four-match losing streak before of the tournament’s elimination stages.
On a slow pitch in Guwahati on Wednesday, Sanju Samson’s Royals were easily outclassed by Punjab, who were at the bottom of the standings. The outcome guaranteed the Knight Riders first place. The Royals’ chances of placing in the top two spots of the points table are now in jeopardy due to their late collapse.
With 16 points from 13 games, Rajasthan is still in second place in the IPL 2024 points standings. The SunRisers and the Super Kings, meanwhile, are vying with Rajasthan to unseat them and slip into the top two.
Why is Rajasthan a matter for concern? In the first part of the IPL 2024 season, the 2008 champions were all but untouchable. With eight victories in their first nine games, they were securing the top spot. But when they saw a late slump, old problems have returned to haunt them. Prior to the playoffs, Rajasthan would have preferred to gain more ground.
Teams who position in the top two during the league stage have two chances to get to the final; if they don’t, they will forfeit the additional chance to bid for a seat in the championship game.
The playoffs’ Qualifier 1 winner (1 vs. 2) advances straight to the championship game. The loser, though, advances to the final where it will face the victor of the Eliminator (3 vs. 4) in Qualifier 2.
For Rajasthan, the calculation is still straightforward. They will guarantee a spot in the top two if they win their last league match, which is scheduled on May 19 in Guwahati against KKR.
Let’s examine the permutation and combination for the IPL 2024 second-place result.
How is RR going to place second?
- The Rajasthan Royals should defeat KKR in their league finale, and
- I hope SRH loses at least one of their next two games.
Rajasthan needs both CSK and SRH to lose their remaining games if they lose their last league match against KKR. As of May 16, RR’s Net Run Rate was lower than that of CSK and SRH.
How can CSK place second in the end?
In their final league match on Saturday, CSK must defeat RCB, and I hope RR drops their final league match. SRH must either lose both of their previous two games or win only one for CSK to advance.
How can SRH place second in the end?
For SRH, the formula is really simple: win their next two games to secure the second slot. SRH is hoping that RR loses their last league game, or at the very least, doesn’t defeat KKR by a significant margin.
Can RCB secure a second-place finish?
No.
