IPL 2021: Race for fourth playoff spot intensifies between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders

The playoff race for the fourth spot in the IPL 2021 has intensified after the match on Tuesday. Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, are now back in the race for the fourth spot after an emphatic display against Rajasthan Royals. The reigning IPL champions dismantled Rajasthan Royals for 90/9, with Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Coulter-Nile, and James Neesham combining to take 7/40 in 12 overs. Ishan Kishan blasted a 25-ball 50 to help Mumbai Indians chase the target down with 70 balls remaining. 

This was the biggest win for Mumbai Indians with respect to balls remaining in the IPL. With this win, Rohit Sharma’s side is now right in the mix for the fourth spot. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, now have their qualification fate taken out of their hands. They will now have to hope that other results go their way in order to seal the fourth spot. Here is what each team needs to do in order to seal the final playoff spot. 

Kolkata Knight Riders; P: 13, W: 6, L: 7, Points: 12, NRR: 0.294

Last match: vs Rajasthan Royals (October 7)

What they must do: The equation is simple for Kolkata Knight Riders. If they win, they are all but through. If Mumbai Indians lose to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last league game, they will qualify as the fourth team. If Mumbai Indians beat Sunrisers Hyderabad, then Kolkata Knight Riders will have to hope that they beat Rajasthan Royals. An added boost will be if Mumbai Indians do not win by a big margin against Sunrisers Hyderabad. If Kolkata Knight Riders lose to Rajasthan Royals, they will have to hope Sunrisers Hyderabad upset Mumbai Indians. The only way by which Kolkata Knight Riders can qualify is if they have a superior Net Run Rate. 

Mumbai Indians; P: 13, W: 6, L:7, Points: 12, NRR: -0.048

Last match: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (October 8)

What they must do: Mumbai Indians’ dominant win against Rajasthan Royals has put them right in the mix for the playoff race. If they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders lose to Rajasthan Royals, they will qualify for the playoffs. If Mumbai Indians lose to Sunrisers and Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals, they will be eliminated. However, if Mumbai Indians lose to Sunrisers and Rajasthan beat Kolkata Knight Riders, even then they will be eliminated as KKR’s NRR is much better. If Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders win their last games, then MI will have to beat Sunrisers by a massive margin in order to overtake KKR’s NRR. The added bonus will be if KKR do not win by a big margin against RR.

Punjab Kings; P: 13, W: 5, L: 8, Points: 10, NRR: -0.241

Last match: vs Chennai Super Kings (October 7)

What they must do: Punjab Kings are now on thin ice when it comes to qualification. The win by Mumbai Indians has ensured that they are all but out of the playoff race. If they beat Chennai Super Kings by a massive margin, then they will have to hope Rajasthan Royals dent Kolkata Knight Riders’ NRR by a big margin. Punjab Kings have admitted that their season is all but over. A loss will eliminate them from the playoffs. But, if they beat Chennai Super Kings, then they will have to expect big favors from Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Rajasthan Royals; P:13, W: 5, L: 8, Points: 10, NRR: -0.737

Last match: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (October 7)

What they must do: The massive loss against Mumbai Indians has all but ended their season. If they lose to Kolkata Knight Riders, they will be eliminated. After a bottom-placed finish in the previous season, they will potentially end up in seventh spot. However, if they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by a massive margin, they will have to hope Mumbai Indians lose to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings beat Punjab Kings.