Kolkata: RCB, Sunrisers and Gujarat have already made it to the playoffs in the current IPL. But the battle for the fourth team is still on. KKR beat Mumbai Indians to move up to number six. Knights will play the last match against Delhi Capitals. But for KKR to make it to the playoffs, they have to win their last match, and even beat Rajasthan and Punjab Kings in their last matches. But if Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Supergiants in their last match, KKR still have a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Punjab Kings won 6 of their opening seven matches of the tournament. They shared the points with KKR in one match. If Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Supergiant on May 23, CSK and Delhi Capitals will be knocked out of the tournament. Punjab will move up to the fourth position in the points table. Then there will be only three teams in the fight. In that case, if Punjab wins the last match, it will be 15 points. On the other hand, even if KKR wins, it will be 15 points. But even there, KKR will have a chance to make it to the playoffs. But let’s see how.

But KKR must pray that Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals in the last match. If PBKS win and RR lose, KKR will be in a tough spot in their last league match against DC. KKR’s net run rate is currently +0.011, slightly lower than Punjab Kings (+0.227). If Punjab Kings win, their net run rate will increase further. If Punjab Kings win by a big margin, their net run rate will improve further, which will create problems for Delhi as well. In that case, KKR will not only have to beat Delhi but also improve their net run rate.

Meanwhile, KKRHardik Pandya may get punished after losing the match against. Even after the catch miss, Hardik was not seen to react much, instead he tried to boost the morale of his teammates. But just then Manish Pandey hit two fours off Hardik. Hardik got a little frustrated after the catch missed. On his way back he hit the sand hard and dropped it. Hardik was punished because of this incident. His 10 percent match fee has been deducted, as well IPLHe was also awarded one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the Rules.