Two ordinary batting shows followed by dismal bowling performances against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have put RCB in a position where even if they win all their remaining matches, they could still be knocked out from IPL 2023 playoff race.
Royal Challengers Bangalore had had their playoff hopes high when they had 10 points in 9 matches. However, their last two games have dented those hopes massively. The Delhi Capitals chased down 182 in 16.4 overs the Mumbai Indians chased down 200 in 16.3 overs, leaving Royal Challengers Bangalore with 10 points in 11 games and, more concerningly, a poor NRR.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have now lost 3 out of their last 4 matches and sit at the 7th position in the points table.
How can RCB still qualify for playoffs in IPL 2023?
Yes, Bangalore Based Franchise, who have 10 points in 11 matches, are still alive in the playoff race. But they need to win all their 3 matches and, with a dented NRR, need other results to go their way.
Let’s go back to the 10-team IPL 2022 tournament to see what is the least amount of points for which a team can qualify in the playoffs.
In the 10-team IPL 2022, the team at the 4th spot to reach the playoffs last year – RCB – had 16 points while DC and PBKS with 14 points each just missed the playoffs. A win for both of them would have pipped them over RCB because of their better NRR.
However, as explained above, even 16 points might not be enough for RCB if their NRR remains inferior to other teams who could also catch up at 16 points. RCB’s NRR currently is -0.345, and it is only better than the bottom 3 teams.
So, for Royal Challengers Bangalore to make a strong case for a playoff berth, they would need to win all their remaining 3 matches, and it will come dow to NRR and other results as well.
