How can RCB qualify for IPL 2024 Playoffs?

Thanks to Will Jacks’ 41-ball 100* and Virat Kohli’s 44-ball 70*, Royal Challengers Bengaluru completely annihilated Gujarat Titans on April 28 (Saturday). 

RCB chased down a target of 201 in just 16 overs and have somewhat kept themselves alive in the race for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League 2024. 

Despite the win, Bengaluru are still at the bottom of the points table. This was only their third win in 10 games. They have six points, with an NRR of -0.415.  

So, how can they still qualify for the playoffs? 

The first thing RCB need to do is win all of their remaining four games: Gujarat Titans (H) (May 4), Punjab Kings (A) (May 9), Delhi Capitals (H) (May 12) and Chennai Super Kings (H) (May 18).

If they do so, RCB will end the league stage with 14 points. Bengaluru have got the momentum on their side, having won the last two matches after losing six games in a row.

Even if they win all their games, the Royal Challengers will need a lot of results to go in their favour. First and foremost, RCB are not getting into the top two. 

The best scenario for them would be if the top three teams - Rajasthan Royals (16 points), Kolkata Knight Riders (10 points) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (10 points) - win the maximum number of their remaining matches.

Rajasthan have five more games to go and even if they win three of those, Sanju Samson and Co. will end the league stage with 22 points. Meanwhile, KKR and SRH can also get to 20 points even if they lose two of their last six respective fixtures.

If the aforementioned results go in RCB’s favour, they will have a high probability of progressing further without bringing NRR into the picture. They will also hope that none of the remaining teams get to 16 points because the most they can get to is 14 points.

There’s also a very slight chance of RCB finishing at No.3 on the points table. For that to happen, KKR and SRH will have to go through an unexpected slump and lose at least four of their respective remaining fixtures. 

That will potentially allow one of Lucknow Super Giants (10 points after nine games), Delhi Capitals (10 points after 10 games) or Chennai Super Kings (eight points after eight games) to climb to No.2. 

No.3 or No.4, it doesn’t matter much, considering both teams will have to play the Eliminator. 

At this point, the Royal Challengers would take either of those slots, but the chances of that happening look very low.

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