IPL 2023 Playoff scenario: What happens if RCB-GT clash is washed out?

Faf du Plessis’ Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are still very much in contention for making it to the playoffs of the IPL 2023. However, they face a tight challenge from defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in their final group assignment on Sunday, May 21, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

However, the underlying question is- What happens to RCB’s playoffs chances if the clash against Gujarat is washed out? It is pertinent to make a point of this as incessant rain lashed down at the venue just a day prior to the high-voltage thriller.

In addition to this, as per the weather forecasts by ‘Accuweather’, a couple of evening thunderstorms are likely to occur at the venue in Bengaluru on Sunday. Moreover, the weather projections also state that the ambience will remain mostly cloudy with a 60 percent probability of showers.  

Assuming the worst-case scenario, which is if the game is washed out, then both teams will share a point each. This would essentially mean that the Men in Red and Gold will conclude their group phase campaign with a tally of 15 points in the IPL Points Table.

However, with 15 points, the side will be reliant on certain other results to work in their favour. As KKR have already lost to LSG, RCB would want Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to beat five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in their clash on Sunday, May 21.

If SRH beat MI, RCB will be a point above the five-time winners and secure a berth in the top four, or to be specific, they will have made their place in the Eliminator. However, if the reverse happens, Mumbai will sneak into the playoffs, pipping RCB to the fifth place.

This would essentially mean that Mumbai’s win against SRH will draw curtains over RCB’s playoff chances and in turn reserve MI's place in the Eliminator. It remains to be seen what transpires as the Bengaluru-based franchise will hope to play a full-fledged contest against the Titans and clinch the crucial two points on Sunday’s second blockbuster.