What LSG's victory against MI Means For RCB, CSK, And Others In The IPL Playoffs In 2023

In their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 matchup against the 5-time champion Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants significantly increased their chances of making the playoffs. As many as 7 other teams are still competing for the remaining three spots, with the defending champion Gujarat Titans being the only team to have already clinched their place in the playoffs. If MI had defeated LSG, they would have almost certainly advanced to the next round, but Krunal Pandya's team's victory has complicated the playoff situation even further.

Lucknow Super Giants: If LSG wins their last league game, they will have 17 points, which will be enough to advance. It would get complicated if they lost since five other teams, including the Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings, might each have at least 16 points.

They can also qualify with 15 points, but for that to happen, at least two other competitors must not finish with 16 points or higher.

Mumbai Indians: With 14 points, MI needs to win their final game to improve their chances of making the playoffs. Punjab Kings, LSG, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore can all have 16 points or more. Net Run Rate will be relevant in this situation.

Things could become even more difficult if Mumbai loses their final game since five teams could conceivably find themselves tied for the final playoff berth with 14 points.

Chennai Super Kings: With 15 points, CSK would be eligible for the playoffs with a victory over Delhi Capitals in their upcoming match. Yet, a loss puts them in a difficult situation because five teams might end the league stage with 16 points or more.

With a win over DC, CSK might even place among the top two teams.

Bangalore's Royal Challengers:

With to their most recent victory over Rajasthan Royals, RCB has a strong Net Run Rate of 0.166. With victories in their last two games, RCB can almost guarantee a postseason position. But even a single setback could endanger their position.

Punjab Kings: The team captained by Shikhar Dhawan has a problem with their Net Run Rate of -0.268. Winning both of the upcoming matches is almost required if Punjab Kings want to complete the league portion of the season among the top 4 teams. Due to the low NRR, they could be eliminated with just one loss. They will undoubtedly benefit from big victories in the upcoming two games.

Rajasthan Royals: One of the season's most promising teams, Rajasthan Royals had their entire campaign derailed after they suffered a humbling loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore the previous time. They must also hope that certain other outcomes go in their favour in addition to winning their last game by a wide margin.

The situation is highly complicated because 5 different teams have a chance to earn 14 points or more. The Royals' first task would be to defeat the Punjab Kings, after which they could only hope for the best.

Kolkata Knight Riders: With only 12 points and an NRR of -0.256, KKR's chances of making the playoffs are in jeopardy. They must not only defeat the Lucknow Super Giants by a wide margin, but they must also anticipate the defeat of other contenders by similar wide majorities. So, a number of outcomes must line up for them to qualify.

Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already been eliminated from the competition.