Cricket

IPL 2024: Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Kaif and other cricket experts choose their top 4 Playoffs teams

May 16, 2024

The contest for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoff spots is heating up. While Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have already secured their spots, five teams remain in contention for the remaining two positions. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all vying for a top-four finish. Notably, a crucial match between RCB and CSK on May 18 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is set to be a potential knockout, with the winner moving closer to the playoffs and the loser facing elimination.

Former cricketers’ IPL 2024 Playoff predictions

In the lead-up to the playoffs, former cricketers shared their predictions on Star Sports. Irfan Pathan, Ambati Rayudu, Mohammad Kaif, Matthew Hayden and Tom Moody weighed in on which teams they believe will secure the playoff spots.

Irfan Pathan’s picks

Irfan predicted that KKR, RR, SRH and CSK would make it to the playoffs. Pathan elaborated on his picks regarding CSK and emphasized that CSK’s knack for finding ways to succeed, calling them a legacy team. Pathan highlighted that CSK’s experienced squad and strategic acumen make them formidable in high-stakes situations.

“Kolkata, Rajasthan, Hyderabad and… Chennai Super Kings are my picks. Because I feel CSK will find some or the other way to make the Playoffs. They are a legacy team,” Irfan said.

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Ambati Rayudu’s choices

Rayudu, a former CSK star, shared his top four: KKR, followed by CSK, with RR and SRH rounding out the list. Rayudu’s faith in CSK stemmed from his intimate knowledge of the team’s inner workings and their historical resilience.

“My top four predictions for now will be KKR at the top, followed by Chennai Super Kings at second. RR and SRH the other two,” Rayudu said.

Mohammad Kaif’s predictions

Commentary panel member Kaif also placed KKR at the top, followed by RR, SRH and CSK. For CSK, he highlighted their experience in handling pressure situations and their proven track record in crucial matches.

“At the top for me would be KKR. At No. 2 would be (Rajasthan) Royals. At third would be (Sunrisers) Hyderabad and at the 4th position I would bank on CSK because they know how to perform in the big matches,” Kaif said.

Matthew Hayden’s selections

Former CSK opener Hayden chose KKR, RR, SRH and CSK. He acknowledged RR’S recent struggles but believed in their capability to turn things around given their strong squad. Hayden pointed to SRH’s robust bowling attack and solid middle order as key factors in their playoff contention. Regarding CSK, he noted their legendary status and the importance of their upcoming clash against RCB, predicting that their strategic mindset and experienced players would help them secure a playoff berth.

“My top four, in no particular order, are… well, one has actually qualified. KKR are certainly there. I’m going to go with Rajasthan Royals. They have to beat this poor slump that they find themselves in (losing three matches in a row). Then I’ll pick Sunrisers Hyderabad since they have their matches back home and then CSK to win that derby against RCB on May 18,”

Tom Moody’s top four

Tom Moody, former SRH coach, echoed similar sentiments, selecting KKR, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings as his playoff contenders. He acknowledged CSK’s experience and legacy as key factors in their favor.

“My top four in the Playoffs would be KKR at first place, Rajasthan Royals in the second position, Sunrisers Hyderabad at third and just falling into that fourth position, Chennai Super Kings,” Moody said.