The 14th season of the IPL began on April 9 this year. However, the competition was postponed on 2nd May 2021 because of the outbreak of the coronavirus. A total of 60 matches were to be played at the IPL 14 and 29 matches were played when the BCCI postponed the league. The league resumed on 19th September in the UAE, with the remaining 31 matches taking place in this country. Before the suspension, Delhi Capitals were in first place in the points standings, with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last place with only two points. Let's have a look at the IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenarios.   

Playoffs Qualification Scenarios of IPL 2021

The league has reached halfway of its journey. The scenario of the points table is described below.  

Chennai Super kings

Veteran MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings resumed their campaign with a 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians on Sunday (September 19) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This was a crucial game for Chennai in their quest for a playoff spot. The victory elevated them to the top of the points standings. Chennai have six games left in this season and will qualify for the playoffs if they can win at least two more matches.  

Chennai’s remaining fixtures:  

RCB (24th Sep), KKR (26th Sep), SRH (30th Sep), RR (2nd OCT), DC (4th OCT), PBKS (7th OCT)  

Also read: Virat Kohli to step down as India's T20 skipper

Delhi Capitals

Delhi's regular captain Shreyas Iyer has stepped down as captain at least for the time being. Now, Iyer’s full focus is on his batting. India's number one wicket-keeper Rishab Pant has been named captain for the remainder of the season. This group has some incredible talents and they have worked well together. Delhi Capitals are presently tied with Chennai Super Kings for first place in the points table. So, they are only two victories away from securing a playoff berth.

Delhi’s remaining fixtures:  

SRH (22nd Sep), RR (25th Sep), KKR (28th Sep), MI (2nd OCT), CSK (4th OCT), RCB (8th OCT)

Read ​​​​​​​Tamim Iqbal desires to win the 2023 World Cup as Captain

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Virat Kohli has announced that he will leave the captaincy role of RCB after the IPL 2021 season. Kohli's choice has shocked many cricket fans across the world given that he has been an effective leader both for club and country. Royal Challengers Bangalore are presently in third place in the IPL 2021 points table. They must win at least three of their remaining games to advance to the next round. 

Bangalore’s remaining fixtures:  

CSK (24th Sep), MI (26th Sep), RR (29th Sep), PBKS (3rd OCT), SRH (6th OCT), DC (8th OCT)   

Also read: IPL 2021: Those who are at the Top Before the Tournament Resume

Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma's side has some real match-winners, and they usually play better at the tournament's key stages. However, the most successful team in IPL history Mumbai Indians are struggling this season. They have lost four games and won only four so far. Mumbai Indians need to win four more games in order to secure a place in the playoffs.

Mumbai’s remaining fixtures: KKR (23rd Sep), RCB (26th Sep), PBKS (28th Sep), DC (2nd OCT), RR (5th OCT), SRH (8th OCT)     

Read T20 World Cup 2021: Favorites to qualify for semifinals from Group 1

Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson has led his team well despite the absence of certain important players. Rajasthan Royals are in sixth place in the points standings with 6 points from 7 games. They will need to win the majority of their remaining round-robin league fixtures. Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is one of their most important bowlers. Rajasthan must play as a team in order to qualify for the playoffs.

Rajasthan’s remaining fixtures: 

PBKS (21st Sep), DC (25th Sep), SRH (27th Sep), RCB (29th SEP), CSK (2nd OCT), MI (5th OCT), KKR (7th OCT)     

Read ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Favorites to qualify for semifinals from Group 2

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders resumed their campaign with an inspiring 9-wicket win over Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday (September 20). Kolkata are presently in fifth place in the points standings after eight matches. Shakib Al Hasan's team still needs three or four victories to qualify for the playoffs. Kolkata have a chance to finish top four if they can maintain consistency until the end of the round-robin league stage.  

Kolkata’s remaining fixtures: 

MI (23rd Sep), CSK (26th Sep), DC (28th Sep), PBKS (1st OCT), SRH (3rd OCT), RR (7th OCT)   

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings have 6 points as well, and they must win the majority of their remaining round-robin league matches in the IPL 2021. Punjab’s captain KL Rahul is in excellent form. Rahul and the rest of the key players must step up in quest for a playoff berth.  

Punjab’s remaining fixtures: 

RR (21st Sep), SRH (25th Sep), MI (28th Sep), KKR (1st OCT), RCB (3rd OCT), CSK (7th OCT) 

Read Lasith Malinga: The Illustrious Career of yorker king

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad have earned two points from seven games and are presently ranked bottom in the points standings. They must win their remaining seven games if David Warner-led team is to qualify for the playoffs. Hyderabad have some world-class T20 players in their squad. Players must perform at a high level to keep up the winning streak until the completion of the round-robin league.

Sunrisers remaining fixtures: 

DC (22nd Sep), PBKS (25th Sep), RR (27th Sep), CSK (30th Sep), KKR (3rd OCT), RCB (6th OCT), MI (8th OCT)          

Read Bangladesh squad announced for ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier

Verdict

Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings are leading the points table among the competing teams. According to the current IPL 2021 points table, both teams may qualify for the playoffs if they win at least two more league matches. Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings will compete for the next two spots (3rd and 4th). On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad have a very slim chance of making the playoffs. They must win all of their remaining league matches to advance to the next round.

Read T20I Allrounder Ranking: Nabi dethrones Shakib