Pro Kabaddi League: Playoff race for season nine

11 of the 12 Pro Kabaddi League teams are still in contention to claim a Top 6 spot, with Telugu Titans being the only team to be entirely out of contention, standing at the bottom of the table with just 15 points and two wins from 17 matches.

Each team receives five points if they win the match, three points if the game ends in a tie and one point if the margin of defeat is less than eight.

Currently, Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Tamil Thalaivas Dabang Delhi K.C. and Telugu Titans have five more matches left to play. All others have six games left.

One two seasons have ended since the number of teams in the Pro Kabaddi Leagues was increased to 12 from ten, and the current format where all teams face every other team two times was applied.

Teams needed 64 points to finish in the top six during the seventh season and 66 points in the eighth season. Let's take a look at the potential qualifications scenarios for season nine.

Puneri Paltan: The Maharashtra-based team stands at the top of the chart with 64 points from 17 matches. They are comfortable and will advance to the playoffs even if one of their last five matches ends in a draw.

Jaipur Pink Panthers: They have an excellent run, owing to the strong performances by their star raider Arjun Deshwal. Jaipur Pink Panthers currently stand at the second spot with 59 points from 17 matches. They need to win at least one more game to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Bengaluru Bulls: The 2016 champions have a fantastic run despite not retaining their star raider Pawan Sehrawat. Bengaluru Bulls can easily qualify for the playoffs by winning two of their remaining games if they can continue with their winning momentum, 

U.P. Yoddhas: They are looking to advance to the playoffs for the fifth time in a row. They need at least three wins from their remaining six matches to gain the points required to qualify.

Dabang Delhi K.C: The defending champions are in the fifth spot with 50 points, the same as U.P Yoddhas. They have struggled with their form since having a strong start to the season but need to win three of their five remaining matches to keep their hopes of defending the title alive.

Bengal Warriors are in the sixth spot with eight wins from 16 matches and need at least 16 more points to stay in contention for the playoffs.

Tamil Thalaivas: After a slow start to the season, Tamil Thalaivas: have made a solid comeback to have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's history. They must win at least three of their remaining five matches to qualify.

Patna Pirates: They are the most successful team in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League, with three titles under their belt. However, they are having a subpar season this year and need to win three matches and secure one tie to keep their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive.

U Mumba, Haryana Steelers, and Gujarat Giants are much bleaker. However, they can still qualify if they manage to secure the crucial points.