IPL 2015: With just 6 games left, suspense over all 4 playoff spots continues

Bengaluru, May 14: The suspense over which 4 teams will feature in the Indian Premier League 2015 (IPL 8) playoffs continues with just 6 matches remaining in the league stage.

IPL Special; Points Table; Fixtures; Photos

For the first time in the history of IPL, the franchises have been left to fight till the end to book a spot in the next phase with just 1 or 2 games left. (Latest - CSK qualify, 5 other fight it out)

Two-time champions CSK are No. 1 in the table

Last night's result where Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lost to Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in a 10-over contest due to rain has made things even more interesting.

Two-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are still on top of the table with 16 points. They have one match to play. Of all the other outfits, they are slightly in a better position to advance.

Holders Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have 15 points with 2 matches in hand. Sunrisers Hyderabad (14 points) too have same number of clashes followed by Rajasthan Royals (14) with just a game to go.

RCB, with 2 matches to play, are on 13 points and at 5th spot. And Mumbai Indians (12) are at 6th with 2 matches to play.

Tonight's MI-KKR clash is important for Mumbai as a loss would mean they are eliminated. If MI win, the suspense for playoffs will continue for another day or beyond as Sunrisers and RCB face off tomorrow.

As of today, only 2 out of the 8 cannot make the cut. All other 6 are battling hard for 4 places. Sunday (May 17) is the last day of league and some sides may miss out due to poor net run rate or less number of win (if teams are equal on points, the one with most number of wins go through, if still equal then net run rate comes into play).

KKR's bowling coach Wasim Akram called this year's IPL as the most interesting. "Good sides are participating. We are still not sure who will qualify for the last four. It has been the most interesting IPL as far as points table is concerned," he said.

Which 4 teams will overcome the pressure of last few games and make the cut? We will know the answer soon.