IPL 2021: CSK, DC secure Playoff berths; RCB, KKR, MI strong contenders to qualify

The race between the eight IPL teams for securing the much sought after play-off berths get intense as the round-robin stage draws close to an end with the last set of matches scheduled in the coming week.

With two of the four play-off spots being already secured by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC), the fight for grabbing the remaining two berths could once again possibly go down to the wire.

A closer look at the IPL points table gives a clear cut indication as to which teams have made the cut, which teams are still in the race to qualify and who has bowed out in the round-robin stage.

CSK AND DC SECURE PLAY-OFF BERTHS, RCB JUST A WIN AWAY  

With CSK and DC sitting high and handsome on top of the points table, the table-toppers will aim to seal the first two spots with an aim to have two cracks at the final. Currently placed third with 14 points, Kohli-led RCB are surely in a relatively stronger position to clinch one out of the remaining two berths.

All the excitement and buzz would be around the fourth and final spot which is witnessing a close battle between the teams straddled in the mid-table. The present occupants being Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings.

KKR, MI AND PUNJAB KINGS BATTLE IT OUT FOR THE REMAINING SPOTS

KKR and MI (10 points each) certainly enjoy the edge over Punjab Kings and RR with an extra win (5) in their bank after playing the same number of games (11). However, they both will still need to win at least two out of their remaining three games to get to that magical 14 points figure.

A resurgent KKR looks to charter out its own destiny but the same is not the case with Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals who are dependent on how KKR and MI fare in their last set of matches. In order to make the playoffs, both Punjab Kings and RR need to win all their remaining three games with handsome margins and also hope that KKR and MI falter.

Rajasthan Royals have landed themselves in a rather precarious position and need nothing short of a win against CSK in their next game on Oct 2. If RR fails to beat CSK, their playoff dreams will come to an end.

SRH EXIT OUT 

Languishing at the bottom of the table with just 4 points, it is all curtains for Sunrisers Hyderabad after a dismal campaign in the current season.