The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 has entered to its business end of the season. The group stage is finally set to come to an end, with few matches left for every franchise.
Like usual, four teams will qualify for the playoffs. It has been an amazing ride so far with the tourney living up to its hype and expectations. We have seen some strong displays on the cricket field in IPL 2019.
The current situation sees defending champions Chennai Super Kings leading the proceedings with 16 points under their belt.
Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals follow suit. The rest of the teams are also somehow alive in the race for making it to the last four.
One expects a stern battle right till the end as teams would be focusing on playing their best game of cricket to keep themselves alive in the global T20 tourney.
There are only 14 matches left in the group stage and its showdown for all the teams. Here we analyze what the eight teams need to do in order to enhance their qualification chances.
What does it mean for the current top three teams?
CSK have played smart cricket in IPL 2019 and they have reaped the benefits of an able experienced side. MS Dhoni’s team lie on the top with 16 points from 12 matches.
They have two more encounters left this season. Another victory could guarantee their qualification. At the moment, their qualification is more or less confirmed.
Another victory could also assure them of sealing one of the top two spots. They are playing their remaining two matches against  Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab.
After the loss against Mumbai on Friday, CSK will look to avoid defeat as there is a remote chance of elimination if other teams also reach the 16-point tally.
Delhi Capitals have been superb to watch this season.
They brought plenty of freshness and zeal into the tournament. DC look like strong candidates to make it to the last four with several match-winners available to them.
Besides CSK, the Shreyas Iyer-led unit faces bottom teams Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals.
However, it can always get tricky against both RR and RCB, Both have picked up some form and they have nothing to lose.
Even if DC lose all the three matches, they can still qualify with the help of other outfits.
The likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, and Kolkata Knight Riders should not win more than two matches in the remainder of the season.
Mumbai enhanced the qualification scenes by beating CSK at their own backyard. MI now have 14 points from 11 matches. Another victory could work in their favor.
MI face KKR twice and given their strong record against them, it is likely that MI will not only qualify, but perhaps even take the number one place. They have a strong NRR and that could be their striking factor.
Also, Rohit Sharma’s team will face SRH, who will be without talismans David Warner and Jonny Bairstow.
We feel all these three teams are likely to be assured candidates in the top three.
SRH and KXIP could fight for the fourth spot
One cannot rule SRH out yet and the Kane Williamson outfit could make it to the last four. They have four more games to deal with and at least two wins could keep them afloat.
They have the best NRR this season of 0.654 and that could work strongly in their favour. If they lose at least three matches, then they may miss out on qualifying this season. SRH have their fate in their own hands.
KXIP have played well in parts and bits. But now they will be needing to give their absolute best in the remaining three games. Their clash against SRH is an enticing one, given both the sides are fighting for making it. They also face KKR and CSK in their remaining two games. KXIP need at least two wins and see how things pan out for them.
What are the bottom teams up to in IPL 2019 Playoff?
KKR have lost each of their last six IPL matches. This is a new low for the eastern giants.
They not only have to win all the three of their remaining matches, but register big margin of victories as well. They have four wins from 11 matches. Given their form and decision-making on the field, KKR might even end up finishing last this season.
A lot of factors need to work for KKR in order for them to qualify. Also, the twin battles against MI could be their undoing.
RCB did the damage to themselves after losing their first six games of the season. Since then, the side has picked up some well earned wins. The math for RCB is simple.
They need to win their remaining three matches and also hope that the likes of CSK, DC and MI beat the other teams. Quite a sticky prospect this!
Inconsistent RR will need to seal their remaining three matches like RCB and KKR to stay in the competition.
Also, like RCB, the Steve Smith-led side will want CSK, DC and MIÂ to win all their matches. Going by the form, momentum and performances, it looks unlikely that any of these three teams will qualify for the IPL 2019 playoffs.