IPL 2023: How can Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) qualify for play-offs amid tough competition?

With intense fighting on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 points table, the next two weeks will be crucial for all the teams to break into the playoffs. Currently, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are placed in the fifth spot on the points table, with five wins and five losses in 10 matches.

Thus far, RCB’s campaign has been shaky as the Faf du Plessis-led side has failed to maintain consistency. The flaws in both batting and bowling departments are still noticeable and to get desired results in the upcoming games, it’s indispensable for Challengers to get rid of their shortcomings. 

In the remaining four games, RCB supporters are expecting their team to be exceptional and seal their berth for the Playoffs. With five triumphs in 10 outings, Challengers could still qualify for the IPL 2023 Playoffs comfortably. Unlike Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Delhi Capitals (DC), RCB don’t have to bank on the results of other matches if they do their job efficiently. Talking more about it, let’s have a look that how the Bangalore-based outlet could see itself in the top four of the round-robin stage.

RCB’s remaining fixtures:

May 9: vs Mumbai Indians (away)

May 14: vs Rajasthan Royals (away)

May 18: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (away)

May 21: vs Gujarat Titans (home)

Noting the stern competition on the points chart, Bangalore’s foremost task should be to emerge victorious in all four remaining games to see themselves ending up in the top four after the round-robin stage. Currently, Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have equal wins but the former is standing behind the latter due to their poor net run rate. 

In their previous outing, RCB lost to Delhi Capitals (DC) by seven wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The defeat caused immense damage to RCB’s net run rate as it was already negative due to their massive 81-run loss at the hands of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match nine of the competition. So far, Gujarat Titans (GT), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are superior to Bangalore on the points chart as they have not only racked up more points but have also succeeded in maintaining healthy net run rate. 

RCB should endeavour for the top two positions

Although GT and CSK are currently holding the top two spots on the points tally, Challengers should not lose faith to end up their league-stage campaign in first or second place. Playing their next four contests, RCB should boost their confidence to give their 100% and extract victory in all.

In these four matches, Bangalore should look to be extraordinary and thump any one of the opponents by a huge margin to see themselves in the top two of the round-robin stage. However, the results of other matches will also decide their fate but till the end of the league round, du Plessis and his men should not only strive for qualifying for the next stage but also think about punching their tickets for the first Qualifier in Chennai.