IPL 2024 Playoffs Qualification: What Happens If RCB Vs CSK Clash In Bengaluru Gets Abandoned Due To Rain?

New Delhi: Just a week before the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs, the race qualification has just got intense with too much focus on the high-octane clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings. While Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have already booked their spots in the final four, atleast five teams are in battle for the final two spots. Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to win both their remaining games against Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings. However, the RCB vs CSK clash on May 18 (Saturday) will turn out to the virtual knockout before the playoffs.

Meanwhile, things don’t look good as it seems to be. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru has been put on Orange alert with rains expected till May 22 in the state. The IMD stated that state will have cloudy skies with intermittent spells of rain or thundershowers on May 16, 17, and 19. The forecast on May 18 don’t look good either as the sky will be generally cloudy with rain or thundershowers.

The development comes as a major blow for the cricket fans, especially those of RCB. In case the match gets washed out, both teams will get one point each. That means CSK prevail in the race for playoffs with 15 points from 14 games. It will be heartbreak for RCB, who will miss out on 13 points from 14 games.

How Can RCB & CSK Qualify?

As far as CSK are concerned, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side have performed hot and cold in this season. Given the leadership responsibility by MS Dhoni just before the tournament, Gaikwad led CSK to seven wins out of 13 league games so far. On the other hand, RCB started on a disastrous note, losing seven out of their first eight games. However, the Faf du Plessis-led side made a remarkable comeback with five wins on the bounce to rise to the middle of the table.

For RCB to qualify for the playoffs, they need to beat CSK either by 18 runs or chase the required target within 18.1 overs. This will help RCB surpass CSK’s net run rate. For both RCB and CSK to qualify for playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad would need to lose both their remaining games.