After a slow start to IPL 2023, Mumbai Indians finally seem to have found their lost mojo as they crushed defending champions Gujarat Titans by 27 runs on Friday. It was Mumbai’s fourth win in their previous five matches as they now jump to third position in the ten-team table.
The win in Mumbai also gave their play-off hopes a big boost as they now have 14 points from 12 matches. Only Gujarat and Chennai Super Kings have more points than Mumbai. Despite the defeat, Gujarat found themselves at the top with 16 points from 12 matches while CSK collected 15 from the same number of matches.
GT, CSK staring at playoffs
Gujarat Titans have more or less advanced to the semi-finals as a win in their remaining two matches will guarantee them either the number one or two spot after the league stage.
However, things could get a little messy if they don’t win both of their remaining matches. Chennai Super Kings also found themselves in a similar situation.
Mumbai look to maintain the winning run
If we look at Mumbai Indians, the maximum they can get from there is 18 points. However, defeat in either of the remaining two games will add more playoff drama. If Mumbai win one and lose the other, they will be content with 16 points and apart from Delhi Capitals, all the remaining five franchises have a chance to reach the same number of points, which will then bring a clean run-rate into play.
Rajasthan Royals in a place where they are struggling
Despite finishing fourth in the table, Rajasthan Royals find themselves in a difficult spot as they have won six and lost the same number of matches this season. To keep their playoff hopes alive, Rajasthan would look to win their remaining two matches, which would bring them 16 points.
Latest rivals RCB and LSG
Given the pace on both sides, fans won’t mind a third face-off between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both teams have three matches to go and a win in all three encounters will take LSG to 17 points while RCB to 16.
If LSG and RCB win all their remaining matches, one thing is for sure, Rajasthan Royals will definitely be one of the sides to see their campaign end in this edition.
Must win scenarios
There are three sides who must win all their remaining matches to stay alive in the playoffs. One defeat for KKR will reduce them to 12 points, while Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals still have eight points each while the others are in double figures.
Read Now:India’s growth path lies in leveraging its internal strength & global supply chains
