IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru found a hint of optimism on Thursday after they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
This was their first victory within a month after last winning over Punjab Kings at home, at the M Chinnaswamy stadium, in which RCB ended their six-game losing streak during IPL 2024.
Even though the win did not change their standing in the table of points, where they are currently at the bottom, with only three points after nine games, it certainly improved their chances of reaching the playoffs. This is as odd as it sounds without considering net run rates.
What Are The Chances That RCB Get To The IPL 2024 Playoffs?
Sitting at the lowest of the table, RCB has to beat all their remaining games to stand an opportunity to get to the fourth round. The upcoming match with Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is crucial.
If RCB triumphs in their remaining games, their total points will be 14. To increase their chances of winning, they will need other outcomes to work in their favour, especially in terms of net run rates (NRR)
Looking at the current points table, if the top three teams — Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad– win a particular amount of their remaining games, RCB could potentially secure fourth place by scoring 14
Or, in a less likely scenario, RCB could be aiming for a third spot if any of the three best teams fall and lose one game each in the remaining fixtures.
However, these options depend on the ability of RCB to win not just their games but also increase their NRR substantially.
The remaining games for RCB include matches in the upcoming games against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans (twice), Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings. Each game offers an essential chance for RCB to earn a playoff spot.
Why Does RCB’s IPL 2024 Playoffs Qualification Seem Like A Possibility?
The Faf du Plessis-led side, who defeated a strong Sunrisers Hyderabad, will next meet Gujarat Titans twice before taking on Punjab Kings.
GT is currently in a slump following an unremarkable run in the IPL 2024 season so far, in which they have won four times in their first nine matches to sit seventh in the standings.
In the meantime, Punjab Kings have been trying to get their groove back, having lost six out of their final seven games, including the loss of four games in a row.
Suppose RCB can pull off an impressive run of three consecutive wins, one of which is in their home stadium (vs GT) and the other (vs PBKS) at Dharamsala, a place to bat and a batting paradise.
In that case, they will gain momentum when they face more complex challenges during the Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings in their final two games, both of which will be played at the Chinnaswamy.
