The IPL 2023 league stage is drawing to a close, and the race to the playoffs is as tense as ever. With 58 matches played so far, no team has officially secured a spot in the playoffs. Similarly, no team has been officially ruled out ahead of the Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings match.
Currently, KKR, SRH and DC are the only three teams that cannot reach the magic mark of 16 points in the tournament. However, KKR and SRH can still make it to the playoffs if they collect 14 points. This may seem unlikely, but there are some scenarios where this can happen.
SRH have three matches left, one each against GT, RCB and MI. Meanwhile, KKR have games against CSK and LSG. SRH are at 9th position with 8 points from 11 matches, while KKR have 10 points from 12 matches and are at 7th position. Both the teams are now dependent on other results and will have to win all their remaining matches.
While the odds may not be in their favor, both KKR and SRH stand a slight chance of qualifying. Currently, there are no more than 2 teams with more than 14 points (GT with 16 and CSK with 15). If MI and LSG, who have 14 and 13 points respectively, win their upcoming match against each other, they will go past the 14-point mark, which is the maximum that SRH and KKR can reach. However, there would still be one spot left in the playoff race.
Looking at the result of Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings game, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore can also go beyond 14 and threaten to oust SRH and KKR. However, SRH and KKR will be promoted if they fail to go past the 14-point mark.
Overall, Hyderabad and Kolkata are in danger zone and need several things to go their way. They are dependent on other results and need to win all their remaining games to stand a chance of making the playoffs. It remains to be seen if they can pull off a miracle and book their ticket to the playoffs.