LSG moved closer to securing a playoff spot after defeating Mumbai Indians by five runs at home on Tuesday. This victory helped them climb to the third position on the points table for IPL 2023. Meanwhile, Mumbai fell to fourth place, adding excitement to the playoffs race. IPL 2023 play-offs scenario: RCB celebrate Lucknow’s win(PTI)
Of the ten IPL teams, Gujarat Titans have already secured a spot in the next stage, while Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have been eliminated. This leaves seven teams to compete for three available berths.
Chennai Super Kings rank second and will look to secure their spot with a win in their last league fixture against Delhi Capitals. A victory would give them 17 points and put pressure on Lucknow Super Giants, the only team that can catch up to them if they win their next match against DC.
Lucknow is also in a similar situation and will hope to capitalize on their momentum in their final league match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
The five-run loss to Lucknow could hurt Mumbai’s chances if they lose their final fixture against Sunrisers. That loss would keep Rohit Sharma and company at 14 points, increasing the likelihood of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings, each with 16 points, advancing to the next stage.
However, Mumbai’s win in their final league game would put more pressure on RCB and PBKS, who would then need to win both remaining fixtures to stay alive in the competition.
The situation is simple for RCB and PBKS, who each have 12 matches and the same number of points. RCB will take on Sunrisers next and then travel to Ahmedabad for their final league fixture against Gujarat Titans.
PBKS will face Delhi on Wednesday and end the league stage against Rajasthan Royals. The Sanju Samson-led team started strong but suffered a series of losses midway through the tournament, putting them in a difficult position.
For both PBKS and KKR, the equation is to win their last league fixture and hope others lose or end with 14 points after the league stage.