IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: In the event that Punjab Kings lose to CSK in Match 53, how can they still make the playoffs?

In Match 53, Chennai Super Kings took on Punjab Kings. Punjab chose to field after winning the toss. With three wickets apiece from Rahul Chahar and Harshal Patel, Chennai was reduced to 167 for 9. Then, in the middle overs, Ravindra Jadeja worked his magic, taking three vital wickets to severely damage Punjab’s prospects. Chennai won by a total of twenty-eight runs. CSK has five titles and is currently ranked third on the leaderboard with 12 points.

Though they are still mathematically in the running, Punjab’s aspirations appear dim. The last five games between PBKS and CSK were wins, matching MI’s record of five straight triumphs in 2018 and 2019. This was PBKS’s longest winning streak versus CSK. The opening leg of the 2021 Indian Premier League saw CSK defeat PBKS.

Possibility of Punjab Kings losing out on a playoff berth

Of the 11 games played, PBKS has won four of them, earning eight points. They can get to 14 points if they win their final three games. To reach the top four, however, their future is dependent on the results of other teams, just like that of lower-ranked clubs. They won’t have much hope of making the playoffs if they lose any more of their next games. Punjab Kings may have lost control of their future with this defeat.

Also read: IPL 2024: Punjab Kings vs. Chennai Super Kings, 55th Match: Who Said What?

“I thought our bowling was excellent. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, despite Rahul Chahar and Harshal bowling exceptionally well and looking pretty delighted at the halfway mark. The wicket was definitely slower than we had anticipated; we had anticipated a bit more bounce and pace, and it remained fairly constant for the duration of the game. We have a few days off before playing RCB, so we need to bounce back and remain resilient, Sam Curran stated during the post-match press conference.