RCB vs DC: How can Royal Challengers Bengaluru qualify for IPL Playoffs 2024?

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have kept their IPL 2024 play-off hopes alive after beating the Punjab Kings by 60 runs at the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala. 

RCB moved to the number 7 spot after winning their 5th game of IPL 2024 and second against the Punjab-based outfit this season. The South-Indian franchise's win was also their 4th victory on the trot and they will be aiming to finish off the edition with another 2 wins. 

Virat Kohli led from the front last night as the former RCB captain scored 92 off 47 at a daunting strike rate of 195. Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, and Dinesh Karthik, too, made their presence felt by scoring 55, 46 and 17 at striking rates higher than 160. That helped them post 241 on the board which Punjab failed to chase down and lost by a heavy margin. 

With that loss, Punjab Kings' hopes of finishing in the top 4 have been crushed but RCB still have a chance or should we say they have a narrow chance. Their play-offs qualification not only depends on their performance in their last two games but a lot more also depends on how other teams play in their games. On that note, here are ways in which Bengaluru can finish in the top 4. 

RCB can finish 3rd but it depends on DC, CSK, and LSG

Every single scenario of RCB reaching the playoffs depends upon the results of other teams. As mentioned above, Bengaluru must win both of their remaining games against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. And at the same time, they must pray and hope that CSK, DC, and LSG lose their respective games. 

So for RCB to finish 3rd in the points table with 14 points, the Super Kings from Chennai must lose all of their last 3 league games in IPL 2024.

The reigning champions will be taking on the Gujarat Titans first and then table-toppers Rajasthan Royals. Bengaluru have a chance to beat CSK themselves in both of the team's final league games. 

RCB must also beat Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals in their next league game and then hope for Delhi to lose against Lucknow Super Giants. A lot depends on LSG as well. KL Rahul's side must beat Delhi in their next game but end up losing to Mumbai Indians for the Royal Challengers to finish 3rd.  

CSK and SRH can still spoil RCB's party 

For RCB to finish 4th in IPL 2024 league table, the other two South-Indian outfits - CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad should lose 2 of their last 3 games. Both the teams have a chance to finish with 18 points and in case they amass 16 points each, then Bengaluru's chances will be over and out. 

Faf du Plessis' side will still have slim chances if any of CSK and SRH finish with 16 points and the other finishes with 18 since RCB can only get to 14 points. 

So these are the situations that Bengaluru fans will pray to manifest and see the 2009, 2011, and 2016 runners-up reach the playoffs for the second time in 3 seasons.