IPL 2017 | Who can make it to the playoffs and how

Perennial slow-starter Mumbai Indians were able to shrug off their familiar struggles in the beginning of the league and with some monumental displays by the youngsters, they sit at the top of the table with 18 points from 12 games. They have been closely followed by Kolkata Knight Riders, who have secured eight wins from 12 games. Rising Pune Supergiant are level on points with the Kolkata franchise but a worse run rate sees them in a spot below the two-time winner. Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad are three points behind RPS and are being chased by Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions, who have both endured a forgettable season are out of the race but can still have a big say in who makes it to the business end of the tournament in their respective matches.

The Mumbai franchise are the only team to have booked a place in the playoffs so far this season - for the seventh time in last eight seasons- thanks to some charismatic performances right from the outset. But that doesn't mean that Mumbai can take their foot off the gas because they are yet to secure a place in the top two of the standings, which is a huge advantage in this part of the season. 

Kolkata Knight Riders [Kings XI Punjab (A), Mumbai Indians (H)]

Kolkata Knight Riders have had an easy run in the tournament with only four losses so far from 12 games. Their batsmen showed supreme ability and their bowling unit is a good mix of both pace and spin. The return of Chris Lynn is surely a huge advantage for the two-time Champions as the opener showed against RCB in their last game. 

Like Mumbai, they find themselves in a comfortable position at the moment and they too will be aiming for a top-two finish. Their next game against the Kings is a crucial one because if they lose that game, not only will they find it difficult to finish in the all-important top two spots, but a loss against Mumbai could put an end to their challenge as well. But as they have proved this season, when the ball is in their court, very rarely do they mess up. 

Rising Pune Supergiant [Delhi Daredevils (A), Kings XI Punjab (H)]

The Steve Smith-led side needs just one more win to book a place in the playoffs. However, they, too, will be aiming for the coveted top two spots. To guarantee a double attempt at a spot in the final they will need to win both their games and hope that Mumbai win the game against KKR which would automatically get them into the top two. However on the flipside, should they lose both their games and the Kings win all of theirs, Pune could be looking at another early finish to the season.

The defending champions have faced a dip in form and have secured 15 points from 13 matches. After Punjab lost their game against Gujarat, the Sunrisers’ destiny was back in their own hands and they made the most of the opportunity by thrashing Mumbai by 7 wickets. 

If they win their last game against the Gujarat Lions a playoff spot would be certain. However, if they do end up losing the match to Gujarat, who might be playing their last ever game in the IPL, Punjab will need to win their three remaining games to book a place in the playoffs.

Another team that had the potential to crack the code, but in challenging conditions, no one apart from Hashim Amla and Manan Vohra, to some extent, have been consistent. That also reflected on their sinusoidal journey, but a fine all-Indian bowling attack helped them coming close in many matches.

Even after all the drama, it is still not light outs for the team from Mohali. While their task is a difficult one, it could still have a big impact on where the other teams finish this season. They need to win all their games and hope Gujarat do them a favour against Hyderabad. With a run rate of +0.242, three wins will definitely take their net run rate ahead of Hyderabad but it will all depend on the Gujarat game.