The late resurgence of RCB has brought them back in the mix as the Virat Kohli led team now stands a great chance of qualifying to the Playoffs. When RCB lost their fixture against SRH, it made it very difficult for them to qualify to the Playoffs. However, Bangalore have been successful in infusing some hope in their otherwise languishing campaign.
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Watch: RCB’s playoff qualification scenarios
They have won both their last two matches against DD and KXIP by 5 wickets and 10 wickets respectively. Their resounding 10-wicket victory over Punjab on Monday would have done the side a world of good.
Rejuvenated and on a roll, RCB now have to win their last two matches against SunRisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. However, this would not at all ensure a safe Playoff berth for the Virat Kohli led side. The situation on the ground is a bit more complex. Let us try and understand RCB’s best possible chance of making it to the Playoffs.
Mid-table scramble
From where we stand currently, 5 teams are fighting it out for the remaining two spots for the Playoffs. With 18 and 16 points respectively, SRH and CSK have already made it to the next stage and can now sit and watch the other teams trying their best to make it through.
Each of MI, RR and KXIP are with 12 points, whereas KKR has took the lead with 14 points.
Also Read: Virat Kohli opens up on RCB’s win against KXIP
RCB and MI in the same boat
Two teams, that is, MI and RCB were with 10 points each until the last game. However, after Mumbai beat KXIP, they now have a very good chance of having a shot at the knockout stage. RCB have to now play catch up and win both their coming games to remain alive in the tournament.
Fortunately or unfortunately, RCB and MI do not have any face off left with each other, otherwise that would have been a knock out game and a treat for the cricket lovers.
However, merely winning both their coming games does not guarantee RCB a chance to see it through. If MI win their next match comprehensively, they would then have a very strong NRR and it would be curtains for RCB.
Indirect gains
If Kolkata Knight Riders lose to Rajasthan Royals, it would be favourable for RCB. Moreover, if CSK defeat KXIP in their upcoming match, KXIP would be eliminated from the tournament which would make things a lot easier for RCB.
The Net Run Rate game
Having defeated KXIP by 10 wickets, RCB have done themselves a huge favour as far as the Net Run Rate is concerned. Going into the game, they were lagging behind with negative points on the NRR. However, their win with a huge margin in a game that was wrapped up in 8 overs has taken their NRR towards the positive side. All the same, they remain at the 7th spot in the points table.
If RCB lose one and win one
If RCB lose one more game, it would become next to impossible for them to then secure a Playoff berth. However, mathematically they can still sneak in to the playoffs. In that case they would have to defeat RR and can lose to SRH. Given that both MI and RR lose their matches, RCB can then get through to the Playoffs with 12 points.
The same stands true if a match is washed out due to rain. RCB can then sneak into the Playoffs with 13 points. This may give the side a flicker of hope but practically, as mentioned, it would then become next to impossible.
