The final standings of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 league stage have been determined, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) topping the table and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) finishing in second and third place, respectively.
KKR, with 20 points, will face SRH in the first Qualifier on Tuesday, while RR will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator.
Rajasthan Royals had a strong start to the season, winning eight of their first nine matches. However, their momentum waned in the latter half, losing four consecutive games. The absence of key player Jos Buttler during crucial matches further impacted their performance, making their upcoming clash with a resurgent RCB a formidable challenge.
Conversely, Sunrisers Hyderabad have showcased exceptional power-hitting throughout the season, leveraging the ‘Impact Sub’ rule to great effect. Their outstanding chase of 215 against Punjab Kings, completed with five balls to spare, underscored their batting strength and secured their place in the playoffs while boosting their NRR at a critical moment.
As they prepare for the Eliminator, Rajasthan Royals must address their late-season slump and rediscover the form that made them early contenders.
