IPL 2024: Can Royal Challengers Bengaluru reach playoffs?
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 41 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 25.
The Royal Challengers, who lost seven of their eight games so far, desperately require a win.
Although RCB's qualification chances for playoffs look bleak, they are still in contention.
Here's how they can qualify.
RCB
A solitary win for bottom-placed RCB
As mentioned, RCB have sealed just one win in eight games in IPL 2024 as of now. That came against Punjab Kings exactly a month ago (March 25).
RCB, in their previous match suffered a one-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. It was their sixth consecutive loss.
RCB currently languish at the bottom with two points (NRR: -1.046).
Information
IPL 2024 points table (as on April 25)
IPL 2024 standings: Rajasthan Royals (14 points), Kolkata Knight Riders (10), Sunrisers Hyderabad (10), Lucknow Super Giants (10), Chennai Super Kings (8), Delhi Capitals (8), Gujarat Titans (8), Mumbai Indians (6), Punjab Kings (4), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2).
Scenario
RCB can finish in top four
It is worth noting that RCB are still in contention to reach the IPL 2024 playoffs.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the Royal Challengers can finish in the top four without getting NNR into play, given other results fall in their favor.
RCB, who can't afford another defeat, will have to win each of their remaining games to get to 14 points.
Information
Results of top-three sides matter for RCB
Besides winning, RCB would want the incumbent top-three sides to win the majority of their matches. This can help RCB surpass the rest of the sides. The match results of RR, SRH, and KKR will have impact on RCB's chances.
Defeat
What if RCB lose to SRH?
RCB will be able to fetch a maximum of 12 points if they lose to SRH in Hyderabad. They will still be alive in the playoff race but only mathematically.
As per ESPNcricinfo, as many as eight teams can finish on 12 points and battle it out for two spots. However, several results will have to be aligned for this.