IPL 2023: Here's how Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) can still qualify for the playoffs

With 12 points from the 12 games played, Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are placed fifth on the IPL points table, and their hunt for a playoff berth still goes on. In order to make a place in the top four, RCB need to win all their remaining two games in the league stage. RCB will be facing Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans in their final two games, and they have to focus on getting victories.

Winning the two games will take their points table tally to 16, but they also need to make sure that they win the two games by a good margin so as to improve their NRR. The competition is very tight as multiple teams are in contention to make it to the playoffs and a positive NRR would help RCB get an upper hand over other sides. 

Even if Royal Challengers win their next two games and finish with 16 points, they will most likely be eliminated. If they don't manage to win convincingly in the remainder of their games, NRR will be key that determines their position in the playoffs race.

This is because three teams, namely Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, and either one of Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, or both, will finish with more than 14 points, and the Royals' positive NRR will guarantee that they finish at a place in the top four, as well.

Even if RCB win the two remaining games, their playoff spot will heavily depend on how other teams perform. There also is a chance that GT, MI, PBKS, and RCB all end up with 16 points by the end of the league stage, which would mean that the NRR will come into play and the team with the better run-rate would move forward.

Also Check Here: IPL 2023: Playoffs qualification scenarios for CSK