IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Gujarat Titans qualify for playoffs after loss against RCB in Match 52?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) breathed a sigh of relief as they kept their slim hopes for the IPL 2024 (Indian Premier League) playoffs alive with a nerve-wracking 4-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium on (Saturday) May 4. Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, RCB's bowlers displayed discipline, stifling GT's batting efforts. 

The early dismissals of Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill by Mohammed Siraj put GT in a tight spot from the get-go. Despite a shaky start, Shahrukh Khan along with David Miller steadied GT's ship with a crucial 61-run partnership. This helped GT post a respectable 147 on the board. However, it wasn't enough to alleviate their precarious playoff situation.

In response, RCB's Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli formed a solid partnership during the powerplay overs, setting the stage for victory. Their efforts propelled RCB off the bottom of the points table, now standing with 8 points and three matches remaining.

Also Read: RCB vs GT: Anushka Sharma's reaction sums up Virat Kohli's almost run-out

Titans are potentially out of playoffs race

Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to secure a playoff berth, much like Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. With only 4 wins out of 11 matches and a dismal net run rate of -1.320, their chances look bleak. Even if they manage to win all remaining matches and reach 14 points, their poor net run rate would likely dash their playoff dreams.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli sends Shahrukh Khan packing with a flying kiss

“It all depends on the wicket, you see the first couple of overs. You get an idea and you play according to that. I think 170-180 on this wicket would have been a good total. I think how we batted in the powerplay and how we bowled in the powerplay, that made a difference. We would have an extra bowling option (had we not lost early wickets.) Never easy. It's important for us to start from zero (in the next game), need to move on. Many positives to take from this game, need to make sure we don't repeat our mistakes. It's all about winning everything we can from here on,” said Shubman Gill in the post-match presentation.