 "Explained: Why PBKS cannot qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs even if they win all of their remaining matches")
Like Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS) had begun to fight their way back from the bottom half of the table after a series of defeats had left them staring at an early exit from the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs race. PBKS, however, would stutter when it mattered the most and ended up becoming the second team to get eliminated after suffering a 60-run loss against RCB in Dharamsala on Thursday.
Also Read | IPL 2024 playoff scenarios for RCB, GT, CSK, KKR, RR, SRH, DC and LSG after MI and PBKS are eliminated
PBKS were off to a mixed start in the 17th season of the league, winning two and losing as many, but would go on a downward spiral thereafter by losing their next four matches on the trot.
What further compounded their woes during this period was skipper Shikhar Dhawan suffering a shoulder injury during their narrow defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at home last month. The left-handed opener has been out of action ever since, with all-rounder Sam Curran taking over the reins of the team from him.
PBKS were on the verge of suffering a fifth defeat on the trot when they bounced back in style by successfully chasing down a mammoth 262-run target set by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, smashing the record for the highest successful chase across T20 cricket in the process. To prove that their record chase was no fluke, Punjab would end up conquering ‘Fortress Chepauk’ by handing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) a seven-wicket defeat and acing a second consecutive chase in the process.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsCSK, however, would exact revenge days later at Dharamsala’s picturesque HPCA Stadium, where Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round performance helped the ‘Yellow Army’ successfully defend a modest total of 167.
Punjab would then host Bengaluru at the same venue four days later in what was a do-or-die contest with both teams having collected eight points in 11 outings at that point. In the end, Virat Kohli’s explosive 92 off 47 deliveries along with valuable contributions from Rajat Patidar (55) and Mohammed Siraj (3/43) resulted in Curran and Co suffering a massive 60-run loss that has put paid to their hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since their only appearance in an IPL final in 2014.
Why PBKS cannot reach the IPL 2024 playoffs?
Punjab Kings were eliminated a day after five-time champions Mumbai Indians became the first team to bow out of the playoffs race following SRH’s 10-wicket thrashing of Lucknow Super Giants in Hyderabad.
Both teams are currently level on eight points each in 12 outings, and will be able to reach a maximum of 12 points if they win both of their remaining matches. KKR and Rajasthan Royals (RR) currently occupy the top spots with 16 points each with SRH at the third spot with 14.
CSK, Delhi Capitals (DC) and LSG are ranked fourth, fifth and sixth respectively with 12 points each and at least one them is expected to finish the season with 14 points.
Thus 12 points will not be enough for MI and PBKS to secure a top-four finish. Mumbai had snuck into the playoffs with 14 points that helped them finish at the fourth spot on the points table last year.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
