With the round-robin stage of a a topsy-turvy Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign nearing its conclusion, the fates of six teams still in the hunt for a playoff spot remains uncertain. 

With defending champions Mumbai Indians having sealed their playoff berth, three spots remain up for grabs and six franchises, except the Chennai Super Kings – who will miss out on the top 4 for the first time in their history – are alive in the race. 

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Here is a look at what needs to happen for every team in order for their qualification to the playoffs:

Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Virat Kohli-led franchise are sitting pretty at second in the table with 14 points from 12 matches and need to win any one of their remaining two fixtures, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Delhi Capitals to seal their qualification.

Net run rate will come into play if they lose both those games.

Delhi Capitals

Under the captaincy of young Shreyas Iyer, the Capitals were tournament favourites and were table toppers for much of the campaign before three consecutive defeats dampened their season.

With 14 points from 12 matches, they will need to win at least one of their remaining fixtures, against Mumbai Indians and RCB. Failure to do so will bring their net run rate into play.

Kings XI Punjab

The KL Rahul-led side have scripted an amazing turnaround since six defeats from seven matches to win the next five in a row before losing to the Rajasthan Royals yesterday. 

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They have 12 points so far and will need to win their last remaining fixture, against Chennai Super Kings, although net run rate might still be decisive in their bid for qualification. 

Rajasthan Royals

Steve Smith’s side looked down and out before two consecutive wins kept them alive in the chase. They have one remaining fixture, against the KKR and will need to win it to get to 14 points. 

Kolkata Knight Riders

Two losses in a row have dented the Eoin Morgan-led side’s chances for qualification, although all possibilities remain open with the congestion in the table. They will need to win their last remaining match, against Rajasthan. However, it has to be by a considerable margin as their net run rate is the lowest among the three teams on 12 points. 

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Sunrisers Hyderabad

David Warner’s side have the second best net run rate in the table, a major boost for their qualification chances as two wins from their remaining two fixtures, against the Mumbai Indians and RCB, should see them comfortably seal a playoff spot.