RCB or PBKS, who will qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs? Chris Gayle gives his final verdict

SportsTak

Batting juggernaut Chris Gayle has given his verdict on his play-offs choice between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

 

Having played for both the franchises, Gayle feels Punjab Kings will not qualify for the IPL 2023's play-offs. 

Before the clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday (May 17), if we look at the PBKS' performance in the IPL 2023, they have just 12 points in as many matches, however, they have kept themselves very much alive in the playoffs contention. If then manage to win against DC and then follow it up with another one against Rajasthan Royals (RR), they will end up finishing 16 points. But Gayle has his favourites ready for the IPL playoffs, i.e. RCB. Right ahead of PBKS vs DC clash, Gayle said that he sees RCB making it to the top-four.   

 

"Royal Challengers Bangalore have a better chance of qualifying as they have two games remaining. If they win their two games, they will see themselves in the top four. Punjab, I don't think that they are going to qualify. I do not see them qualifying. But in cricket, nobody should write anyone off but KKR are going to be missing out as well," Gayle told Graeme Swann in a conversation on Jio Cinema.

 

While replying to Gayle's statement , Swann said that teams might have qualified if the West Indies' star batter was in the team. 

"It's no surprise since you stopped playing, these teams have been outside the qualification zones. If they would have picked you, they surely would have qualified already," Swann said while taking a dig at Gayle.

 

Looking at the points table, Gujarat Titans (GT) are the only team to qualify for the IPL 2023's play-offs with 16 points in 13 matches. 

While, PBKS, RCB, KKR and RR are locked at 12 points each, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants have 15 points each in 13 matches respectively.