will-rcb-make-the-cut-to-playoffs-a-look-at-the-conditions-needed

Will RCB make the cut to playoffs? A Look at the conditions needed

With two more league matches on the horizon, RCB's fate hangs in the balance, with several conditions needing to fall into place for their playoff dreams to materialise.

News Arena Network - Mumbai - UPDATED: May 12, 2024, 05:03 PM - 2 min read

Will RCB make the cut to playoffs? A Look at the conditions needed

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli plays a shot against PBKS. File photo.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kept their playoff hopes alive with a commanding victory over Punjab Kings by 60 runs on Thursday in the IPL 2024, marking their fourth consecutive win in the tournament.

However, while RCB remains in contention, securing a top 4 spot is not without its challenges.

With two more league matches on the horizon, RCB's fate hangs in the balance, with several conditions needing to fall into place for their playoff dreams to materialize.

At present, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals lead the standings with 16 points each, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

For RCB to qualify for the playoffs, several key conditions must be met:

Condition 1: RCB's victorious streak

RCB must win both of their remaining league matches to stay in the race for a top 4 spot. A single defeat would spell elimination for Virat Kohli's side, who are in fierce competition with CSK, SRH, DC, and LSG.

Condition 2: CSK's stumble

Chennai Super Kings, having already lost to Gujarat Titans, must incur at least one more defeat from their remaining two matches. With a positive Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.491, significant losses for CSK would bolster RCB's chances.

Condition 3: LSG's slip

Lucknow Super Giants, with 12 points from 12 matches, need to lose at least one of their next two games. If LSG wins both matches, they would reach 16 points, spelling the end of RCB's journey.

Condition 4: DC's downturn

Similarly, Delhi Capitals must also lose at least one of their remaining matches. With matchups against LSG and RCB, RCB's chances would be further enhanced if LSG defeats DC.

Condition 5: SRH's setback

RCB can also leapfrog Sunrisers Hyderabad for a higher playoff position. For this to happen, SRH must lose all remaining matches, with their NRR falling below RCB's. Currently, SRH holds a better NRR than RCB (+0.406 vs. +0.217).

While Gujarat Titans remain mathematically in contention, their negative NRR (-1.063) makes it unlikely for them to surpass other contenders.