IPL 2024 Playoffs Predictions: Who will qualify in top 4?

With just 14 games remaining in the league phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the race to qualify for the playoffs has certainly strengthened over the past couple of weeks. Almost all the ten teams mathematically stand a chance to advance to the play-offs of the tournament but only four sides can shape up the knock-out stage of the tournament.

With teams like Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings facing defeat on seven occasions at least this season, their chances of qualification to the play-offs are the least. However, they are currently still in the race to make it but realistically they would need a lot of results to go in their favour to advance.

On the other hand, there are teams whose fate resides in their own hands but are currently not qualified entirely. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, two of the oldest franchises of the tournament, have a shot to qualify but have to win all their remaining games in the tournament. Ahead of the final couple of weeks in the Indian Premier League, let’s take a look at the four teams that might qualify for the playoffs for the IPL 2024.

Here are the IPL 2024 Playoffs: Who will qualify in top 4?

4. Lucknow Super Giants 

Lucknow Super Giants. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

The Lucknow-based franchise currently sits outside of the top six but has a great chance of qualifying for the playoffs. They occupy the fifth spot in the standings and are still in the race to finish in the top four this season. The franchise has qualified for the playoffs in every season since its debut in 2022 and intends to make it for the third time in a row.

Some inconsistent performances in few of the games have been a major concern for the team this season. Their batting has also been an issue with some hit-or-miss innings from their middle order. The bowling has seen a lot of changes but more or less has done the job for the franchise whenever required. They would need some brilliant all-round performances if they intend to play the play-offs once again this year.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

After a disastrous 2023 campaign in the Indian Premier League, nobody would have anticipated a comeback like this from them. Their clinical performance has seen them occupy the fourth spot currently but a lot can change in the final few games of the season. A major advantage for them heading into the remaining matches is that all three matches left for them will be played in their home ground.

The batters have been doing the talking for the franchise as they have been able to break the highest total record on two occasions. The bowling has gone under the radar more often than not but have been able to get the job on batting-friendly wickets this season. They would desire a good home run of games which can see them qualify for the playoffs later this month.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Since the return of Gautam Gambhir to the franchise, the winning formula seems to have returned as well. The City of Joy will be hoping that their team can get their third title and their first championship in almost ten years. They sit in a comfortable position as they have 16 points from their 11 games this season and are favourites to finish in the top two spots this season.

Sunil Narine’s form with both bat and ball has been remarkable to watch off late and has led to the team winning the crucial moments of the game as well. The other batters have had great contributions as well and have performed whenever the team has needed them to. The bowlers have also been remarkable as Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana are getting wickets at regular intervals for the franchise.

1. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

The inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League, have been the most in-form of the tournament as they have lost just two games out of the ten matches that they have played so far. They currently sit second on the points table but have a game in hand (which is being played out currently against Delhi Capitals) and are bound to qualify as well as finish in the top two at the end of the league stage.

The Rajasthan Royals have a balanced squad and have not tinkered with their playing XI much. They have five main bowlers and a long batting line-up which have been doing the job for the franchise. Their main issue was consistency last season but that is one problem that they have surely overcome this season and are one of the favourites to win the league this year.