The IPL 2023 season is down to its final four league stage matches now. While the Gujarat Titans have already secured a playoff berth, six teams are still in the race to claim the remaining three spots. Here, we shall look at how the teams stack up ahead of their crucial encounters on Saturday and Sunday and the possible outcomes of these contests.
May 20: Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings
The Capitals are already out of the playoff race but will be eager to bow out on a high. The team returned to winning ways in the last match as they defeated the Punjab Kings at their den. The DC batters, who have misfired all season, stepped up in the previous game and will be eager to carry that momentum forward. However, their performance on the slow and sluggish track at their home ground in Delhi could be better.
They will be seen playing against CSK at the same venue again, and that doesn't bode well for them. CSK also have a strong spin attack, which could mean danger for the Delhi batters. CSK need just one more win to confirm their playoff berth, and they look pretty well-placed as a team to secure that win in this match.
May 20: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants
KKR and Lucknow are still in contention for the playoffs, but KKR will need a lot of things to go their way to stand a chance. First, they will need to win this match by a good margin and then hope that all of RCB, MI, and RR lose their respective games by a significant margin. LSG, on the other hand, already has 15 points to their name, and even if they lose this match, they might still qualify, provided either MI or RCB lose their game.
Looking at form and adaptability to the conditions, KKR looks like slight favorites to win this contest. They have a better bowling attack than Lucknow, and their batting is as strong as them. Moreover, this is a home game for KKR, and that's why they know the conditions well. Lucknow will have to strive hard to win here.
May 21: Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
SRH is already out of the playoff race, but Mumbai needs to win this game. They might still qualify for the playoffs even if they lose, but they will need a lot of other results to come through in that case. They might qualify as the second or third-placed team if they win this game. They have exceeded expectations this season. Their bowling attack was probably the weakest, but everyone has stepped up well to make things work. Moreover, the batters have been in excellent form and will look to carry that form forward.
SRH, on the other hand, hasn't got anything right this season. Apart from Heinrich Klaasen, all other batters have blown hot and cold throughout the season. Their bowling attack is considered to be one of the strongest in the tournament, but even that has yet to deliver. This will also be an away game for them, which gives Mumbai a massive advantage. Rohit Sharma's men will enter this contest as the favorites to win.
May 21: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans
RCB registered a massive win in the last game against the Sunrisers, winning by eight wickets. Virat Kohli scored a century, and Faf du Plessis also scored yet another fifty to propel them to victory. But they are still in the same boat as many other teams and must win this match to secure a playoff spot. This being a home game for them hands them a massive advantage.
Moreover, Gujarat Titans have already qualified for the playoffs and would want to rest some key players going into this match. That could work very well for RCB to clear their path to the playoffs. The Red and Gold army is a force to reckon with at home. They will start as the favorites to win this game.