How Can RCB Still Qualify For IPL 2024 Playoffs After KKR Vs RCB Clash?

RCB is placed last in the points table (AP)RCB is placed last in the points table (AP)

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a disheartening start to the ongoing Indian Premier League season (IPL 2024), and is currently placed last (10th position) after match No.36 where Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by just 1 run. 

The Faf du Plessis-led team has faced defeat in 7 out of 8 games in a row just winning one match against Punjab Kings at home. 

After winning the toss, KKR was asked to bat first, and the Shreyas Iyer-led team posted 226/6 in 20 overs with the help of quickfire from Shreyas Iyer and KKR opener Phil Salt. In return, RCB was almost close to chase down the mammoth target with solid efforts from Rajat Patidar and Will Jacks. 


Can RCB Still Make It To The Playoffs?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru on paper have not been ruled out of playoffs, the franchise needs to win their six games left and get 14 points. Since 2022, 14 points was a good number to qualify for the playoffs, but things have changed considerably after two new teams Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants were added. 

However, the addition of two teams has affected the chances of playoffs which has reduced from 50% to 40%.  

In essence, it is highly unlikely that RCB will make it to the playoff stages even if they get to 14 points by winning all their remaining matches. Another factor that is not working in RCB's favour is the NNR (Net run rate), currently, the team has a low NRR of -1.046, and if their NRR gets better with some big wins, it still has questions been raised on their qualification.

However, mathematically there is still a very small analytical chance that RCB could sneak through, but they would have to win all their remaining games first.

RCB will play its next fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 25, 2024.