Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kept their playoff hopes alive with a resounding 60-run victory over Punjab Kings on Thursday, marking their fourth consecutive win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign. However, their fate remains uncertain as they need a combination of favorable results to secure a top-four finish.
RCB currently sit in fifth place with 10 points from 12 matches, trailing Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, who occupy the top two spots with 16 points each. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings are also in contention with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
To qualify for the playoffs, RCB must win both of their remaining league matches against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. Additionally, they require other teams to lose their matches to improve their chances.
One crucial factor is the performance of Chennai Super Kings. If CSK loses at least one of their remaining two matches, it would significantly boost RCB’s chances. CSK’s positive Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.491 means that big defeats for the Gaikwad-led side would be particularly beneficial for RCB.
Another team to watch is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). With 12 points from 12 matches, LSG needs to lose at least one of their next two matches to open the door for RCB. If LSG wins both games, they will reach 16 points, effectively eliminating RCB from the playoff race.
Delhi Capitals (DC) also remain in contention with 12 points. They must lose at least one of their next two matches, including their clash against RCB. A DC victory over LSG would further enhance RCB’s chances.
Finally, RCB can also overtake Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a top-four spot. However, SRH must lose all of their remaining matches, and their NRR must be lower than RCB’s. Currently, SRH has a better NRR (+0.406) than RCB (+0.217).
While the Gujarat Titans are mathematically still in the running for a playoff spot, their poor NRR of -1.063 makes it highly unlikely that they will qualify.
