New Delhi: Seven IPL teams are still in the race for the playoffs after five-time champions Mumbai Indians suffered a crushing defeat from Lucknow.
Defending champions Gujarat Titans are the only franchise to have booked one of the four play-off spots, with Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad now out of contention.
Mumbai’s five-run defeat at the hands of Marcus Stoinis and Mohsin Khan on Tuesday leaves them needing to win their remaining group fixture against Hyderabad, and they still need other results to go their way.
“We didn’t play well enough to win. There were moments when we didn’t win.
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Unfortunate but we need to keep our heads high,” said Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma after the defeat.
Rohit, who led Mumbai to titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, said, “We have to come out and win that match (against Hyderabad on Sunday).”
The top two teams will play the first qualifier, with the winner advancing directly to the final in Ahmedabad on 28 May and the loser playing the winner of an “eliminator” between teams three and four in the second qualifier.
Lucknow, who made their IPL debut last year with Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat, have had hot and cold seasons but a better run rate than Mumbai has kept them in contention for a top-four finish even if they finish their last group Have lost the game.
MS Dhoni-led four-time winners Chennai Super Kings – who are believed to be playing their final season – were hoping to progress to the next round but a shock defeat by Kolkata Knight Riders kept them waiting.
They need to win their final match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday to make the play-offs and possibly finish in the top-two, but a defeat will leave them at the mercy of other results.
Other teams in contention include Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore, as well as Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.