The IPL 2022 has reached the playoffs stage where the Gujarat Titans (GT), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will compete for their maiden title while Rajasthan Royals (RR) will seek their second trophy.

Titans will take on the Royals on Tuesday (May 24) in Qualifier 1 and Super Giants face RCB in the Eliminator on Wednesday (April 25).

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While speaking on Cricbuzz Live, former India opener Virender Sehwag said he could never have predicted this playoffs line-up at the start of the tournament. He also stated that if someone had told him that these four franchises would be in the final-four round, he would have laughed.

"I wouldn't have believed if someone would have told me that Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore would reach the playoffs,” he said.

"I think this reality dawned upon us when these four teams played a few matches and the way they played the matches. We started believing that they too have a chance. I don't think I predicted this line-up either. Rajasthan and Bangalore were definitely not among my picks and perhaps out of the two new teams I might have picked one.” he said further.

"I am surprised for sure but the best four teams of this season are playing in the playoffs," the legendary opener summed up.

RR had won the inaugural edition of IPL under the leadership of the spin legend Shane Warne and as for the RCB, despite being one of the most consistent teams in the tournament’s history reaching the finals thrice, they have no title wins.

GT and LSG made their debuts this season and have performed splendidly, with Gujarat finishing the league stage in the first place and becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs. The Lucknow team finished the league campaign in third place.

(CRICBUZZ INPUTS)