The race for the Pro Kabaddi playoffs qualification has intensified with the tournament heading towards its business end. The PKL this season has lived up to its billing with most matches decided within the final few seconds of play, including a record 17 matches ending in a tie.
While three-time champions Patna Pirates became the first team to qualify for the Pro Kabaddi Season 8 playoffs followed by Dabang Delhi K.C. and U.P. Yoddha, as many as five other teams are still in contention to book the final three spots for the knockout stages.
The top six teams are set to qualify for the Pro Kabaddi Season 8 playoffs slated to begin from February 21 with the top two sides at the end of the league stage qualifying directly for the semi-finals. The teams placed third to sixth will play a series of elimination rounds before competing against the two semi-finalists in the playoffs.
On that note, we take a look at the scenarios with which all the teams remaining for Pro Kabaddi Season 8 playoff contention can still qualify.
How can Haryana Steelers qualify for PKL playoffs?
Haryana Steelers are currently placed fifth in the standings with 63 points from 21 matches. They need to win their next match to confirm their place for the PKL playoffs. Haryana can reach a maximum of 68 points and finish in the fourth position at the end of the league phase. Haryana Steelers can also progress if they tie their next match against Patna Pirates provided Gujarat Giants lose to U Mumba in their final league fixture.
How can Jaipur Pink Panthers qualify for PKL playoffs?
Jaipur Pink Panthers need to win their final league match against Puneri Paltan to qualify for the playoffs. The Season 1 champions are in sixth place with 62 points from 21 matches. A loss or a tie can also help Jaipur make it to the top six provided Puneri Paltan lose both their matches and Gujarat Giants also lose their final match against U Mumba.
How can Bengaluru Bulls qualify for the PKL playoffs?
Bengaluru Bulls with 66 points from 22 matches are placed in the fourth position in the standings and are almost through to the PKL playoffs. The only way Bengaluru Bulls might miss out on a playoff berth is if Gujarat Giants, Jaipur Pink Panthers and Haryana Steelers all win their final league match. In such a scenario, Bengaluru Bulls will miss out on qualifying for the next round of PKL 8.
How can Puneri Paltan qualify for PKL playoffs?
Puneri Paltan need to win their final league match against Jaipur Pink Panthers and hope either of Haryana Steelers or Gujarat Giants lose their final league fixture. A tie or a loss will end their Pro Kabaddi Season 8 campaign.
How can Gujarat Giants qualify for PKL playoffs?
Gujarat Giants need to win their last league match against U Mumba to qualify for the PKL playoffs. However, if Gujarat Giants tie their match against U Mumba, then they will need to hope both Haryana Steelers and Jaipur Pink Panthers to lose their respective final league matches of the season to qualify for the PKL playoffs.
A loss against U Mumba will end Gujarat Giants' hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.
How many teams are out of contention for PKL playoffs qualification?
Telugu Titans, Tamil Thalaivas, U Mumba and defending champions Bengal Warriors cannot qualify for the PKL Season 8 playoffs.
Author: Kaustubh Potdar
Featured photo: Pro Kabaddi