The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is in its critical phase, as all ten teams battle for a playoff spot. Gujarat Titans (GT), the defending champions, lead the points table with 16 points from 12 matches and are likely to qualify for the playoffs. They need to win at least one of their remaining two matches to secure their spot in the playoffs and both wins will land them in top two. However, they face tough competition from their next matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who could upset their position.
The Indian Premier League 2023 playoffs race is heating up with all nine teams vying for the top four spots. Who will lift the trophy?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have strengthened their position with 15 points from 12 matches and need just one win from remaining two matches to secure their playoff spot and two wins to fix their position in top two. Mumbai Indians (MI – the five-time champions), have made a remarkable comeback after a slow start to the season. They need two wins to make it to the playoffs.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) face a crucial phase, as they must win both their upcoming matches against RCB and PBKS to stay in the race. They currently have 12 points in 12 games and will need to compete with other teams based on net run rate for the fourth spot. Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) currently sit in fifth place with 11 points from 11 matches and must win all their remaining matches to qualify.
RCB return to action against RR in a must-win game for both sides. Whichever team loses the match will have a hard time trying to break into the top four. RCB have a slight advantage as they have one more game to play than RR. Remaining teams Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and SRH have very remote chances of making it to the play-off. Lastly, Delhi Capitals (DC) can hope to finish high by winning remaining matches and can spoil it for other teams but surely they can’t make it to the play-offs.
In summary, based on the current points table, GT and CSK look set to qualify. While MI, RR, RCB and LSG need to win all their remaining matches to secure a spot. The net run rate is going to be playing a crucial role in deciding the fates of the teams for the playoffs. It will be exciting to see which teams make it to the playoffs and eventually lift the IPL 2023 trophy.
IPL is the season of high emotions and display of fan loyalty. Speaking of fan favorites this season, all the fans are rooting for their favorite teams for the playoffs in the Indian Premier League 2023. However, based on fan reactions on social media and fan polls, some teams seem to have garnered more support than others. One such team is MI, the five-time champions of the IPL. Despite a slow start to the season, the team has made a comeback and is now in contention for a spot in the playoffs. Fans have been rallying behind them, with many picking MI players in their dream teams.
Another team that has gained a lot of fan support is CSK. The team has a strong fan base, thanks to their consistent performance in the previous editions of the IPL. With MS Dhoni at the helm, CSK have managed to turn around their fortunes this season and are on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs.
KKR, RR and RCB also have garnered high fan loyalty this season as usual, with many supporters picking their players in their dream teams. These teams have had their ups and downs throughout the season but still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs if they win all the games ahead of them with high NRR.