Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer has predicted the top two teams of the league stage ahead of the IPL playoffs. Jaffer picked Punjab Kings and current table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad to finish as the top two teams in the league phase.

Meanwhile, PBKS have veered off the track in the recent past as they have lost their last three matches. The Mohali-based franchise has been poor in the field as they have dropped sitters and it has led to their downfall

“Punjab can still make it in the top two. They also have everything it takes, it is a different thing that things are not working. I am sure they will address the catching. Those who have not played will not understand, picking the white-ball under lights is not that easy. I am sure they will not leave any stone unturned. They still have a chance to finish in the top two,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

On the other hand, Jaffer reckons defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are relying heavily on the shoulders of veteran batter Virat Kohli in the absence of Phil Salt, who is currently out with a finger injury. 

Jaffer backed in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad to finish among the top two teams ahead of the playoffs. SRH have won seven out of their 11 matches so far and look all set to qualify for the playoffs. 

“Phil Salt is not available for RCB, which is a concerning sign. They rely very heavily on Virat. If he gets out, we have seen they struggle. So they also have concerns. Salt is an explosive openers. He is out for a few games. So it was looking like RCB was great too, but the way they have lost those few games, they also have worries. So I think Punjab and SRH have better chances of finishing in the top two,” he added.

PBKS have won six out of their 10 matches, with one match ending in a no-result.