RCB vs CSK: Bad news for RCB as Pathan, Hayden and Rayudu back SRH and CSK for IPL 2024 playoffs

The league stage of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) is in its closing stages. Only six more games are left before the playoffs get underway later this month.

And while only a handful of league games are left now, there are two playoffs spots still up for grabs. Only Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have booked their place in the last four. For the remaining two spots, as many as five teams are in contention - Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.

CSK are currently at the third spot with one game remaining while SRH are at the fourth spot with two games remaining. DC have played all of their games and are at the fifth spot. RCB and LSG have one game left as well. While only time will reveal the names of the two teams that will join KKR and RR in the playoffs, several former players have revealed their picks.

Former players pick remaining playoffs teams:

Speaking on Star Sports, the likes of Tom Moody, Ambati Rayudu, Irfan Pathan, Matthew Hayden, and Mohammad Kaif have revealed their picks. The experts have backed reigning champions CSK and SRH to qualify for the playoffs while snubbing the likes of DC, RCB, and LSG.

Irfan Pathan: 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.

Ambati Rayudu: 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.

Mohammad Kaif: At the top for me would be KKR. At No. 2 would be 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.

Matthew Hayden: 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: 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.