RCB’s IPL 2024 Playoff Scenarios: How Can Faf Du Plessis-Led Side Qualify For Final Four?

New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kept their IPL 2024 playoffs hopes alive after their four-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on Saturday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The win, their fourth in 11 matches, also pulled them up in the points table from bottom to seventh with eight points. RCB also boosted their net run rate after they romped home with 38 deliveries to spare. While Rajasthan Royals (16 points) and Kolkata Knight Riders (14) have almost sealed their berths in the top four, as many as more than five teams are fighting for the final two playoffs spot as the tournament gradually runs into its final three weeks before the final on May 26.

Studded with stars from all corners of the world in Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green to name a few, RCB had a disastrous first half with just one win from their first seven games. However, their third win on the trot on Saturday gave some hope to the fans. The question that lies ahead is will RCB be able to make the playoffs?

The answer is YES, but hopes are very slim. RCB have three matches left – Punjab Kings (May 9), Delhi Capitals (May 12) and Chennai Super Kings (May 18) – ad need to win them all to give themselves a chance for the playoffs. But just win in the final three games won’t help RCB.

If RCB win all their remaining games and by big margins, it will take them to maximum 14 points and also boost their NRR. In that case, they have to pray that both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants do not get more than one win in their final four games.

Both SRH and LSG are on 12 points each from 10 matches. But that’s not all. RCB also need Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals to lose points in their remaining games. Both CSK and Delhi Capitals are on 10 points each and should not win more than two games.

However, along with RCB, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings are also on eight points and should not wi more than three games to aid the Faf du Plessis-led side. If all these scenarios play out, as many as six teams will be on 14 points at the end of the league stage. The NRR will then come into play.