The competition is heating up in the top half of the points table
S Rajesh01-May-2025 • Updated on 05-May-20251:37
Chawla: Bethell’s batting reflects RCB’s own good form
RCB are back on top of the points table with the win against CSK. But with the other top teams notching up wins as well, it’s still possible for five teams to finish on 18 points. That means to be absolutely sure of qualification, RCB need two more wins. However, if other results go their way, they can qualify even with 16 points, without depending on NRR.RCB will also be happy with two home wins in a row, given that they have two more games to go at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. One obvious area of improvement is with the toss: they have lost five in a row in Bengaluru, and they will be hoping for better luck with the coin in their last two home games.1:30
Is Prabhsimran finally living up to his promise?
Punjab Kings
PBKS’ win against Lucknow Super Giants took them to second place with 15 points, consolidating their place in the top four with three games to go. While 17 points may not be enough to guarantee qualification without other results going their way, two more wins will take them into the playoffs. If they lose all their three remaining games, PBKS will be heavily reliant on other results to avoid elimination.3:31
‘Gill is conventional and measured, but not conservative’
Gujarat TitansFourteen points with four games to go and a net run rate second only to that of Mumbai Indians – GT have everything going in their favour to not only qualify, but also look for a top-two finish. To make things even better, two of their three remaining games are at home – where they already have a 4-1 win-loss record – against cellar-dwellers CSK and another team struggling for momentum, LSG.1:43
Chopra: No apparent weaknesses in this MI side
Mumbai Indians
With six wins in a row, the latest being a 100-run thumping that eliminated RR, MI are on course to finish in the top four, and possibly even the top two. Not only do they have momentum on their side, they also have the best NRR among all teams. MI could be among five teams with 18 or more, which is where their net run rate could help them provided they stay ahead on that parameter. They also have two home games in hand, which could be crucial given that they have won four out of five at home so far, the most by any team.3:53
DC’s bowling a concern at Kotla?
Delhi Capitals
The win against RR has kept KKR in contention for a top-four finish. With 11 points from 11 games, however, the maximum they can finish on is 17. It’s possible for five teams to finish on 18 or more points, which means a spot in the playoffs isn’t guaranteed even if KKR win their remaining three games. As with PBKS, 15 points will give KKR a chance, but 13 will eliminate them.2:48
Kumble: Pant needs to get rid of the confusion in his head
Lucknow Super Giants
With their third successive defeat – against PBKS on Sunday – LSG are in seventh place; their chances of finishing in the top four are slim and dependent on other results. Even if they win their remaining three matches – two of which are against teams in the top four – LSG can only get to 16 points, while RCB have already got that many. Their net run rate is also the worst among the seven teams that remain in contention for the playoffs.
