IPL 2024 playoffs: How can Royal Challengers Bengaluru qualify despite 7 losses?

RCB still stands a chance to qualify for the playoffs despite 7 losses

The Indian Premier League 2024 season has reached its halfway mark, with several teams finding their winning formula. Unfortunately, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are not among them, struggling with just one victory from seven matches so far. RCB's recent loss came against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 15, where they conceded a staggering 287 runs – the highest total ever in franchise T20 cricket. Despite their efforts, the Faf du Plessis-led RCB managed 262 in reply, marking the first instance in IPL history of a team scoring above 250 while chasing.

RCB's only win this season was against Punjab Kings at home, securing victory by four wickets. However, since then, the Bengaluru-based franchise has faced defeat in five consecutive matches, firmly rooted at the bottom of the points table with only two points and a significantly negative Net Run Rate of -1.185.

Despite their challenging situation, RCB still holds a mathematical chance of qualifying for the IPL 2024 playoffs. According to their head coach, Andy Flower, every upcoming game must be treated as a knockout match. RCB must triumph in their remaining seven fixtures to reach the target of 16 points, which historically has been the minimum requirement for playoff qualification in IPL seasons with eight or more teams.

However, even achieving 16 points may not guarantee a playoff spot if they are tied with other teams on the points table, given their compromised Net Run Rate. To bolster their chances, RCB not only need to secure victories but also rely on other struggling teams like Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians to suffer defeats.

In their upcoming matches, RCB's bowling lineup, comprising Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph, and others, must step up with improved economy rates and wicket-taking abilities. Additionally, consistent performances from overseas players such as Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Reece Topley, and Lockie Ferguson are essential for the team's success.

Despite their current predicament, RCB has a precedent for making comebacks. In the IPL 2009 season, they initially struggled, winning only one of their first five matches. However, a remarkable turnaround saw them win seven of their next nine matches, leading to a semi-final berth and eventually reaching the final under the leadership of Anil Kumble. Though they fell short of the title against the Deccan Chargers, this historical feat serves as inspiration for their current campaign.

RCB's remaining matches

April 21, Sunday: KKR v RCB in Kolkata

April 25, Thursday: SRH vs RCB in Hyderabad

April 28, Sunday: GT vs RCB in Ahmedabad

May 4, Saturday: RCB vs GT in Bengaluru

May 9, Thursday: PBKS vs RCB in Dharamsala

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May 12, Sunday: RCB vs DC in Bengaluru

May 18, Saturday: RCB vs CSK in Bengaluru