IPL 2024 Playoffs: KKR vs SRH in Qualifier 1, RCB Faces RR in Eliminator for the Ultimate Glory

The IPL 2024 playoffs are almost here. Which Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) or Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team would finish the playoff lineup was decided in a thrilling match on Saturday. It wasn’t until the very last league game, a washout in Guwahati last night, that we found out who would play who, but we now know. Additionally, none of the top four seeds from 2023 make the cut, making this a totally different playoff lineup than it was the previous year.

Qualifier 1 : KKR vs SRH, May 21, Ahmedabad

For the first time, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have concluded the league phase as the top team heading into the first qualifying round. Despite losing their last two games, they ended up with three more points than any other team. Will they be rusted or renewed?

If SRH is any indication, taking a vacation from cricket can be beneficial. They returned after a 10-day break, which they attributed to both the weather and the schedule, and they successfully chased 215 against Punjab Kings on Sunday. In IPL 2024, this was SRH’s only other victory in a game they chased.

Previous Meeting

This season, they have only met once; it was each team’s first IPL 2024 match. At Eden Gardens, the thrilling match concluded with KKR winning by four runs in the final over.

Players Availability

One of KKR’s key players this season, Phil Salt, the big-hitting opening partner of Sunil Narine, has withdrawn from the IPL early to represent England in the forthcoming T20 World Cup.

Weather Concerns

The weather in Ahmedabad is predicted to be “very hot with plenty of sunshine” on May 21. As the lights go out for the evening match, the heat will not let up, with a minimum temperature of 31C. There is 0% probability of rain, according to the forecast.

Eliminator: RR vs RCB, Ahmedabad, May 22

RR had won seven of their opening eight games, and on April 22 they were flying high at the top of the table. Conversely, RCB was struggling at the other end of the table, having lost as many games as RR had won, including six straight losses. When we fast-forward to May 20, we see an astounding turnaround: prior to Sunday’s washout, RR had won one out of the previous six games and lost four. With six straight victories under their belt, RCB enters this knockout match with the upper hand.

Previous Meeting

This year, they have only played once; in Jaipur, where RR won handily despite Virat Kohli’s century, Jos Buttler outscored him.

Also Read: IPL Winners List From 2008 to 2023: Records, Teams, and Historic Moments

Players Availability

Buttler, who was a member of the English team that withdrew from the T20 World Cup, won’t be playing for RR this time. Will Jacks and Reece Topley won’t be playing for RCB for the same reasons.

Weather Concerns

Not much has changed from Qualifier 1 in the outlook. Ahmedabad ought to stay dry and heated for the Eliminator.

Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of the Eliminator, May 24, Chennai

Weather Forecast

During the day, there is a 5% chance of rain but some clouds. With a low of 29°C, the players can expect another steamy, muggy evening.

Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2, May 26, Chennai

A 16-year drought might be broken by RCB, who could win for the first time in the same season that their women’s team won the Women’s Premier League in its second incarnation.

Alternatively, RR might win their first championship since the first campaign, when MS Dhoni’s Super Kings were defeated in the final by Shane Warne’s somewhat unknown squad.

It would be KKR’s third championship overall and their first since 2014. That would be quite the homecoming for Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to two championships and was a player for the team till 2017. He returned to KKR as a team mentor this season after serving with the Lucknow Super Giants.

Can SRH add to their one title from 2016? (Note: this is not to be confused with the other Hyderabadi franchise, Deccan Chargers, who won it in 2009).

Weather Concerns

Not much has changed from Qualifier 2, except it is now at least 30 degrees Celsius hotter and has a 4% lower chance of rain.