The picture of the IPL 2024 playoffs is partially clear but the battle for the final two spots is still on. Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by five wickets in Guwahati on May 15. While this victory didn't do much to PBKS who are already been eliminated from the top four race, but it did affect RR's top two finish. However, RR' defeat on in Guwahati was a gift to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are now guaranteed the top spot in the IPL 2024 league stage.
Rajasthan's playoff qualification, confirmed a day prior thanks to a Delhi Capitals win, now faces a different threat. Their recent string of four consecutive losses has jeopardised their hold on the coveted top-two spot in the points table. Although currently sitting in second place with eight wins in thirteen matches, these losses could significantly impact their path to the finals.
The top two teams in the IPL playoffs enjoy a significant advantage - two chances to qualify for the finals. This position is currently held by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who remain the table toppers with nine wins in thirteen matches (their last game against the Gujarat Titans was washed out).
With only one team automatically qualified for the playoffs (Rajasthan Royals), the remaining spots are wide open.
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Three teams after two playoff spots
Three teams - the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) - are locked in a fierce fight to clinch the remaining two playoff berths. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining who advances and who goes home.
CSK, currently in third place with seven wins in thirteen matches, face a ‘do-or-die’ clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Victory for CSK secures their playoff spot, while defeat eliminates them from contention. Meanwhile, RCB, riding a five-game winning streak, desperately need a win against CSK to stay alive in the playoff race. However, their task is complicated. Not only do they need to win, but they must achieve it within 18.1 overs or by a margin of 18 runs (if they score more than 200) to surpass CSK's net run rate.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), with two matches remaining, surprisingly have a chance to climb into the top two. They need victories in both their remaining games to reach 18 points. If they achieve this feat, their superior net run rate could potentially push Rajasthan Royals out of second place. SRH currently sit in fourth place with seven wins from twelve matches.
Updated IPL 2024's points table after PBKS' win over RR:
| Position | Team | Mat | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
| 1. | Kolkata Knight Riders (Q) | 13 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 19 | +1.428 |
| 2. | Rajasthan Royals (Q) | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 16 | +0.273 |
| 3. | Chennai Super Kings | 13 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 14 | +0.528 |
| 4. | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 14 | +0.406 |
| 5. | Delhi Capitals | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | -0.377 |
| 6. | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | +0.387 |
| 7. | Lucknow Super Giants | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | -0.787 |
| 8. | Gujarat Titans (E) | 13 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 11 | -1.063 |
| 9. | Punjab Kings (E) | 13 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 10 | -0.347 |
| 10. | Mumbai Indians (E) | 13 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 8 |
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