Rain in IPL matches has changed the equations of playoffs. The match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans (SRH vs GT) on Thursday was canceled due to rain. After this, one point each was divided between the two teams. Sunrisers Hyderabad got the benefit of this. Hyderabad team has qualified for the playoffs. They became the third team to qualify for the playoffs. At the same time, the tension of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has increased because it has only 12 points.
CSK suffered loss
After this match, Sunrisers have reached third place in the points table with 15 points. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has to face defeat. He has come from third place to fourth place. He has 14 points. At the same time, with Sunrisers getting one point, the hopes of Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants have also been completely dashed. They are out of the race for the playoffs. Now the match between RCB and CSK on May 18 has become important because this match will reveal the fourth team of the playoffs.
RCB's tension increased
RCB's tension has increased regarding this match to be held at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He has to win this match at any cost. Otherwise all his hopes will be dashed. They not only have to win this match but also have to defeat CSK by a big margin to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR). If RCB beats CSK by more than 18 runs or with 11 balls to spare, it will qualify for the playoffs. If this does not happen then RCB may be out of the playoffs despite winning.
RCB will suffer losses due to rain
If this match also gets washed out due to rain then RCB will be out without playing as they will be able to score only 13 points. If CSK wants to qualify for the playoffs, it will have to defeat RCB. Or we will have to hope that the match gets cancelled. With this, CSK will qualify for the playoffs with 15 points. If he is not able to win then he should try to lose in less than 11 balls or 18 runs. With this, CSK will qualify for the playoffs with 14 points and better net run rate.
Sunrisers have a chance to be in the top-2
Despite the cancellation of this match, Sunrisers Hyderabad has a chance to remain in the top-2. The top-2 teams get two chances to reach the finals by playing the qualifiers. Top 2 teams will face each other in Qualifier-1. The team that wins goes straight to the finals, while the losing team takes on the winner of the eliminator in Qualifier 2. Hyderabad currently has 15 points. If they defeat Punjab Kings on May 19 and Rajasthan Royals lose their match against KKR on the same day, Sunrisers will become the No. 2 team. It will be interesting to see at which stage the league matches of this season of IPL end.