IPL 2020 playoff scenarios – Delhi Capitals in trouble, Sunrisers Hyderabad surge

The IPL 2020 playoff scenario has become complicated with six teams still in contention for three spots after the end of the Saturday double headers. The points table has seen some big movements, especially from Sunrisers Hyderabad. David Warner’s team defeated Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore inside 15 overs and this has dented their Net Run-Rate which has fallen below Kings XI Punjab. With Delhi Capitals’ heavy loss against Mumbai Indians, the playoff situation might be determined only in the final game potentially. The situation in the points table has created a very unique situation that has been repeated after IPL 2010.

For the first time in 10 years, two teams will qualify for the playoffs with 14 points. In IPL 2010, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore qualified for the playoffs with 14 points. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win has ensured that the remaining four games in IPL 2020 are not dead rubbers. The fact that three spots could be decided only on November 2 and November 3 makes this edition of the Indian Premier League the most closely contested tournament ever. Here is what each of the remaining six teams need to do for the playoff spot.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

P – 13, W – 7, L – 6, Points – 14, NRR (-0.145)

Games remaining: vs Delhi Capitals (November 2)

What they must do: The team that wins the match will go into Qualifier 1 and take on Mumbai Indians. If Royal Challengers Bangalore win, they will face Mumbai Indians again. If they lose, they have to hope that Kings XI Punjab suffer a defeat to Chennai Super Kings and that Rajasthan Royals or Kolkata Knight Riders do not win big. They will be praying for a favour from Mumbai Indians as well. If they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore are through. If Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad win, Virat Kohli’s side will be eliminated if they lose to Delhi Capitals.

Delhi Capitals

P – 13, W – 7, L – 6, Points – 14, NRR (-0.159)

Games remaining: vs Delhi Capitals (November 2)

What they must do: They will have to ensure that they beat Royal Challengers Bangalore. If they win that match, they will take on Mumbai Indians. If they lose, they will have to hope Chennai Super Kings beat Kings XI Punjab and that Kolkata Knight Riders or Rajasthan Royals do not win big by 90 or 100 runs. If Sunrisers Hyderabad win against Mumbai Indians, they will finish fourth. If David Warner’s team loses, they will finish third or fourth if they lose to RCB.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

P – 13, W – 6, L – 7, Points – 12 NRR – (0.555)

Games remaining: vs Mumbai Indians (November 3)

What they must do: If they win, they are through. If they lose, they are out. David Warner’s team has registered big wins against Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore and they will be hoping that Kings XI Punjab lose to Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals or Kolkata Knight Riders do not win by a big margin.

Kings XI Punjab

P – 13, W – 6, L – 7, Points – 12, NRR (-0.133)

Games remaining: vs Chennai Super Kings (November 1)

What they must do: If they lose, they are out of the tournament. If they win, they have to hope Rajasthan Royals or Kolkata Knight Riders win by a small margin. They will benefit greatly if Sunrisers Hyderabad lose to Mumbai Indians.

Rajasthan Royals

P – 13, W – 6, L – 7, Points – 12, NRR (-0.377)

Games remaining: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (November 1)

What they must do: If they lose, they are out. If they win, they must win big. Their Net Run-Rate is the second-worst among all the contenders. If they win by a big margin of 90-100 runs and Kings XI Punjab lose to Chennai Super Kings, it might be enough to secure qualification provided Delhi Capitals or Royal Challengers Bangalore suffer a big loss. A Mumbai Indians win over Sunrisers Hyderabad will be the ideal icing on the cake.

Kolkata Knight Riders

P – 13, W – 6, L – 7, Points – 12, NRR (-0.467)

Games remaining: vs Rajasthan Royals (November 1)

What they must do: Same situation as Rajasthan Royals. If they lose, they are out. If they win, they must win by a margin of 100 runs or chase the target in under 10 overs to boost their NRR. If Kings XI Punjab lose to Chennai Super Kings and either of Delhi Capitals or Royal Challengers Bangalore suffer a big loss, it will help them. They will also get a big boost if Sunrisers Hyderabad lose to Mumbai Indians.