Writing on the wall: Perform or perish

Kings XI Punjab’s loss on Friday has provided Kolkata Knight Riders with a ray of hope of making the playoffs in the IPL. Rajasthan Royals did themselves and KKR a world of good by defeating Kings XI and their next challenge will be to knock out Eoin Morgan’s men on Sunday.

Both teams will look for a win and then hope that other results go their way to keep their hunt for a knockout berth alive.

KKR’s net run-rate is poor (-0.467) and their only chance of qualification is if they beat Royals and finish on 14 points. They will then have a slim chance if none of the other contenders get to that tally. That means KL Rahul’s side must lose their last game to Chennai Super Kings while Sunrisers Hyderabad should not win their last match against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.

Ditto for the Rajasthan Royals who will also have to win against KKR. They will then go through with 14 points, without net run-rate coming into effect.

The Royals can still make it if Delhi Capitals or Royal Challengers Bangalore stay on 14. The net run-rate will then decide the issue.

Morgan’s Knights can only blame themselves for landing in such a mess following consecutive losses to Kings XI and CSK after a 59-run victory over Delhi Capitals. It is the lack of consistency that has been their bane in this edition.