The battle for the Top Four in the Indian Premier League is getting hotter and Sunrisers Hyderabad's win over Royal Challengers Hyderabad on Tuesday has only spiced up the play-off battle
Shane Watson, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Darren Sammy and Rohit Sharma
The battle for the Top Four in the Indian Premier League-7 is getting hotter. Sunrisers Hyderabad's win over Royal Challengers Hyderabad on Tuesday has only spiced up the play-off battle. Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings are assured of a play-off berth. Barring Delhi Daredevils, who are out of the play-offs race, all five teams are very much capable to making the cut. Here's a look at the scenario of the five teams in fray:
1. RR (14 pts; games left: Punjab & MI)
Rajasthan Royals need to ensure they win at least one of their remaining two matches. They are just two points away from securing the play-off berth. However, if they lose both their matches, Shane Waston & Co will have to depend on the results of other teams.
2. KKR (14 pts; games left: RCB & SRH)
Kolkata Knight Riders are in a much better position to qualify, as they need to ensure at least a win in two games at their home ground. If they lose, Kolkata Knight Riders' fate will depend on the net run rate if RCB, SRH or MI make it to 14 points.
3. RCB (10 pts; games left: KKR & CSK)
Royal Challengers Bangalore have to win both their games and hope RR or KKR lose their remaining matches. Virat Kohli also has to ensure RCB win the Eden Gardens match by a huge margin to improve their net run rate over KKR.
4. SRH (10 pts; games left: CSK & KKR)
Sunrisers Hyderabad are also in a similar position as Bangalore. The only difference is that their net run rate is worse than RCB. It is a given that SRH have to win both their matches with huge margins to have an outside chance of making the cut.
5. MI (10 pts; games left: DD & RR)
MI dished out a clinical performance against Punjab yesterday, but they cannot afford to relax. Their next two matches are a must-win as well. Even then, MI's chances of a play-off berth depend on other teams' results. Net run rate is another concern for MI.
