Despite their dismal performance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) still have a glimmer of hope to make it to the playoffs in IPL 2024. With seven losses in eight matches, including their last six, they find themselves at the bottom of the points table.
However, against all odds, they are not entirely out of the playoffs race just yet. In fact, they could potentially secure a spot without even needing to worry about net run rates.
So, how can RCB make it to the top four?
Let us entertain a rather unlikely scenario where RCB manages to win each of their remaining six matches, starting with the one against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This would land them at 14 points. If other match results also swing in their favour, they could secure a top-four finish without delving into the complexities of net run rates.
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In the best-case scenario, RCB’s path to the playoffs would be smoother if the top two or three teams amass a considerable number of wins, leaving the remaining teams scrambling for points. Looking at the current standings, it’s plausible that the top contenders would be Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers.
Assuming that Royals win four of their remaining six matches, and KKR and Sunrisers win five of their remaining seven, they would finish on 22, 20, and 20 points respectively. In such a scenario, RCB, with 14 points, could clinch the fourth spot with the other teams trailing behind with 12 points or fewer.
But what if RCB aims even higher, contesting for the third position?
In this rather ambitious scenario, let us assume that Sunrisers and KKR face a sudden slump in form, finishing on just 12 points – equivalent to just one win in their remaining seven matches. Let’s also imagine that a team like Lucknow Super Giants finds their stride and wins five out of their last six matches, reaching 20 points and securing a top-two finish alongside Royals.
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RCB could then finish third with 14 points, while six other teams are tied with 12 points. This outcome could also occur if either KKR or Sunrisers claim a top-two spot.
So, RCB’s mathematical chance of making it to the playoffs remains intact, even if they stumble against Sunrisers. With 12 points – the maximum they could attain in such a scenario – they would still be in contention. In a peculiar points-distribution scenario, it’s plausible for eight teams to finish on 12 points, fiercely competing for two playoff spots.
However, for any of these scenarios to materialize in RCB’s favour, they need to start winning consistently and preferably by significant margins. Only then can they keep their playoffs dream alive in this rollercoaster IPL season.
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