IPL 2018: Scenarios in which Rajasthan would qualify for play-offs
What's the story
Rajasthan Royals face an uphill task in order to qualify for play-offs.
They have to beat RCB at home and also depend on some other results to get through.
Notably, a win isn't just enough, they need to win big.
Net Run Rate will play a key role in the battle for play-offs.
Here are the scenarios in which Royals would qualify.
Big miss
Buttler not there for the Royals
What helped Royals in reaching this stage was the heroics of Jos Buttler.
He played match-winning knocks to orchestrate wins against mighty Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
But the loss against KKR in the previous game, and with the Englishman returning back to England, their task becomes difficult.
The opening batsman scored a mammoth 548 runs in 13 matches.
Momentum
Loss against KKR sees Royals lose gear
After notching three successive wins, RR looked like the side with all the momentum in their favor.
But the last game against Kolkata at the Eden Gardens has dampened their hopes.
Now in this crunch situation against a high-flying RCB, it won't be an easy task.
They need their big guns to come strong, especially skipper Ajinkya Rahane.
Scenario
Vital time ahead for both sides
RCB need to repeat the form they are enjoying at the moment and a determined RR at home will not be an easy walk in the park.
Both sides having 12 points each and the match becomes all the more important given MI's situation.
A win for either side would give them impetus, but no assurance since they would remain dependent on other results.
Intense
Results and Net Run Rate to determine qualification
RR have a NRR of -0.399 as compared to +0.264 of RCB.
Firstly, Royals need a victory which will get them to 14 points. This will knock RCB out.
They also need DD to beat MI at home, which will see Mumbai getting ousted.
If MI win and KKR lose, then Rajasthan's battle will be against the latter.
NRR will determine who goes through.