Can RCB Qualify for Playoffs in IPL 2023?

Mumbai Indians have registered a thumping victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recently concluded 54th match of the 16th season of the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium.

While both the teams had the same number of points before the start of this match, MI have jumped to the third position on the points table on the back of their sixth win of the season earning them a couple of points. RCB, meanwhile, have lost their sixth match of the league phase. The development means that their losses have outnumbered their victories at this point in time.

Having lost their second away match in a row, Royal Challengers have not only hurt their prospect of qualification but also significantly hurt their NRR (Net Run Rate). The same would have happened to any team upon failing to defend a 200-run target.

“They have a good batting line-up. Hopefully, we get wickets in their innings,” Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis had told host broadcaster Star Sports Network at the toss with respect to scoring those 15-20 extra runs against a team which has chased down mammoth targets thrice this season.

In all honesty, considering how Indians registered a victory with 6 wickets and 21 balls remaining in the match, even 15-20 extra runs wouldn’t have saved the visitors from a massive defeat.

Can RCB Qualify for Playoffs in IPL 2023?

With three more matches to be played, RCB are not entirely ruled out of contention to qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs. However, a daunting road ahead requires them to win all their remaining three matches.

That said, qualification could still depend on their NRR. In the general run of things, a team with eight wins under its belt generally qualifies for playoffs in the IPL. Another loss, however, could all but quash all chances of qualification for du Plessis and his men.

It is noteworthy that Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings have also won five and lost six out of their first 11 matches of the season. The same further throws light on how fierce the rest of the season is going to be especially for these teams.