The ongoing IPL 2017 season has been an intriguing one in its history, especially if you look at the points table. With just five matches to go before the group stages end, one does not know which four teams will feature in the IPL 2017 Playoffs.
Mumbai Indians have qualified for the Playoffs, but they are not aware where they will end up – first, second or even third.
Delhi Daredevils, Gujarat Lions and Royal Challengers Bangalore are out of the Playoffs race, but the first two could play an important role in determining the position at which the teams finish in after the group matches. RCB's last match is against DD, which will not have any impact on the top half of the table.
Let us look at all the possible options, leading up to the IPL 2017 Playoffs.
Mumbai Indians – (P-13, W-9, L-4)
Points - 18
Matches remaining – One, against KKR
The equation for Mumbai Indians is simple. They can guarantee a finish in the top two if they manage to beat KKR in their final match as they will have 20 points.
Kolkata Knight Riders – (P-13, W-8, L-5)
Points- 16
Matches remaining – One, against MI
KKR will seal the qualification if they manage to beat Mumbai Indians, but if they do not, they should hope that other results go in their favour. It could boil down to net run rate if KKR lose, as other teams like RPS and Kings XI Punjab also could finish with 16 points.
Rising Pune Supergiant – (P-12, W-8, L-4)
Points - 16
Matches remaining – Two, against DD and KXIP
They have two matches to play in the group stages, and winning one of them would help them qualify for the Playoffs. If they win both, and KKR beat MI, Rising Pune Supergiant will finish on top of the table.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – (P-13, W-7, L-5, N/R-1)
Points - 15
Matches remaining – One, against Gujarat Lions
SRH need a win against Gujarat Lions to qualify, but if they lose and KXIP beat RPS, it is going to be all over for the defending champions.
Kings XI Punjab – (P-13, W-7, L-6)
Points- 14
Matches remaining: One, against RPS
If KXIP lose against RPS, their IPL 2017 journey comes to an end. But if they emerge victorious, there is a whole lot of things that could happen.
Let's assume that SRH beat GL, and KKR and RPS lose their remaining matches. What will happen then? In this case, KXIP, KKR and RPS will be tied on 16 points, and Steve Smith's side could be out of Playoffs as Rising Pune Supergiant have a poor run rate at present, which will not improve if they lose.
