The IPL 2024 has reached its business end as the stage is set for playoffs. Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be up against each other in Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad on May 21. Both teams will be aiming to secure a direct ticket to the final which will be held in Chennai on May 26.
Following this high-octane encounter, there's another exciting match scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue - the Narendra Modi Stadium. Rajasthan Royals will face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator.
While both Kolkata and Hyderabad get a second chance to reach the final even if they lose the first match, neither team would want to risk taking the longer route after performing exceptionally well in the league stage. Kolkata dominated the league stage, finishing at the top of the table for the first time ever in IPL history despite having their last two matches washed out. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by their captain Pat Cummins, were rewarded for their aggressive approach throughout the season. Cummins seems to be having a golden touch, leading the team to success.
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Rajasthan Royals, however, couldn't maintain their momentum. After leading the pack at the halfway mark, they faltered and missed out on the second spot. Sanju Samson's team unfortunately lost their last four games before the final league match against KKR was rained out in Guwahati.
Royal Challengers Bangalore were the underdogs who emerged as playoff contenders in dramatic fashion. They started terribly, with only 1 win in their first 8 matches. But a miraculous turnaround saw them win a record-breaking six consecutive matches, ultimately knocking out the defending champions CSK from the playoffs.
Now that the playoffs are about to begin, let's delve into the past performance of these four top teams in the knockout stages.
Number of playoff matches RCB, KKR, SRH and RR have played so far, including final:
RCB - 14
KKR - 13
SRH - 11
RR - 9
RCB's Playoff Track Record:
Playoff Appearances:
RCB has made it to the playoffs or semi-finals nine times across seventeen IPL seasons. Despite this frequency, their record in these critical matches is less than stellar, with 14 games played, resulting in only 5 wins and 9 losses.
Finals Track Record:
The team has reached the IPL finals three times, each time ending in defeat. They lost to the now-defunct Deccan Chargers in 2009, to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2011, and to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2016.
Recent Playoff Outcomes:
From 2020 to 2022, RCB consistently reached the playoffs each year. Their recent playoff history includes a loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 in 2022, a defeat by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2021 Eliminator, and another loss to SRH in the 2020 Eliminator.
KKR's Playoff Track Record:
Performance Overview:
KKR has played 13 playoff matches, securing 8 victories and suffering 5 defeats.
Title History:
With Gautam Gambhir returning as a mentor, the Knight Riders are poised to recapture their past success and reestablish their dominance.
The team has reached the IPL finals three times, clinching the title twice under Gambhir's leadership in 2012 and 2014. However, they fell to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2021 IPL final after progressing through the Eliminator and Qualifier 2.
Recent Playoff Outcomes:
In the last six years, KKR has only made it to the playoffs twice. Following Gambhir’s departure in 2018, the team often found themselves in the middle of the standings, struggling to replicate their previous form.
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SRH's Playoff Track Record:
Record in Numbers:
SRH has participated in 11 playoff matches, achieving 5 wins and enduring 6 losses.
Similar to KKR, SRH is aiming to reclaim its previous top form. The Sunrisers have reached the playoffs seven times, including a consistent presence from 2016 to 2020.
Title history:
The Sunrisers clinched the IPL title in 2016 and made another final appearance in 2018, where they were defeated by CSK.
Unique record:
SRH hold the unique achievement of being the only team to win the IPL title after advancing from the Eliminator round.
RR's Playoff Track Record:
Rajasthan Royals have competed in 9 playoff matches, winning 4 and losing 5.
Title history:
Having clinched the inaugural IPL title in 2008, the Royals have reached the playoffs or knockout rounds six times across seventeen editions.
Recent Finals Appearance:
In 2022, the Royals advanced to the final, where they finished as runners-up to Gujarat in the championship match held in Ahmedabad.
Led by Sanju Samson, the team faces significant pressure entering the Eliminator, especially after a streak of five consecutive losses.
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