 As things currently stand in the Indian Premier League, the top six sides
are in realistic contention to achieve the final four spot for the playoffs. The
top four sides at the end of the league will participate in the playoffs, where
the number one placed side will take on the second placed team, with the winner
going through to the final. Then the number three and number four placed sides
will face each other and the winner of that game will play the loser of the first
playoff. In this game, the winner will go through to the final.
As things currently stand, the Mumbai Indians seem to be runaway winners
for the top spot. They have 16 points from 10 games, and with four more games
to go, they can be expected to win at least a couple more. With 20 points from
their 14 games, it will be difficult for any team to overcome them. Even the
second placed side, Kolkata, will need to win all their games remaining to be
able to get to 20 points if they are to end at the same position as Mumbai Indians.
If Mumbai Indians win three of the remaining four games then, they will end at
the top of the points table.
On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have 14 from 11 and have a
good chance of going through if they win even one of their remaining three games.
However, to be able to enjoy the advantage of finishing in the top two positions,
the side will need to win at least two of their remaining three games.
The fight for the remaining two spots heats up really well. Chennai have 12 from
10, Bangalore have 11 from 9, Rajasthan have 11 from 10 and Kochi have 10 from
10.
Essentially, given how close these four sides are, any of them can go through
to the next round. Interestingly though, the Super Kings play Rajasthan, Kochi
and Bangalore in three of those four games, which means that the winner of those
games will more or less decide who goes through.
On the other hand, Bangalore's games are against the likes of Rajasthan, Kolkata
apart from Chennai, again, making things interesting.
As things stand, the Bangalore side seem unstoppable with Gayle blasting oppositions
off with his ability to take any batting on. On the other hand, Chennai have Dhoni
as a captain, which makes it interesting for them as well. Kochi look like they
could spring a surprise or two too.
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