IPL 2023: CSK and LSG ride their hopes on SRH as they face RCB in all-important clash

With only six games left in the league stage of the IPL 2023, seven teams are battling for three playoff spots. On the other hand, if Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeats Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Thursday, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are now in second and third place, respectively, would be confirmed to play in the playoffs next week 

With just Gujarat Titans remaining who have made it that far and only Royal Challengers as well as Mumbai capable of reaching 16, LSG, as well as CSK, feel a little more confident with 15 points. Royal Challengers and Sunrisers Hyderabad would both qualify with 15 points if Royal Challengers lose to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. Mumbai will also require a victory in such a scenario, by any margin, as they are going to be the sole additional club capable of making it to 16 points. 

Even if the Royal Challengers Bangalore lose to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians must lose their final game which is also against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in order for Royal Challengers to nonetheless have a chance. The other two teams that can make it to 14 are last year’s finalists Rajasthan Royals along with two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders provided they are victorious in their upcoming games against, and hope Mumbai Indians lose before they triumph in the NRR encounter against any club that makes it to 14. Rajasthan Royals (0.140) along with Royal Challengers Bangalore (0.166) are presently in a far stronger position than the Kolkata Knight Knight Riders (-0.256). 

The Aiden Markram-led team will be looking to finish strong and make a statement after SRH head coach Brian Lara voiced his dissatisfaction with the team following their most recent loss to Gujarat Titans. Players are going to be more motivated because their performance in the league's last two games will greatly influence whether they are retained for next season. It will be fascinating to find out if SRH includes Umran Malik in the mix since he seldom had a chance to shine in the middle.