The Tata IPL 2024 playoff scenario is now very much centered around the Chinnaswamy showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings on Saturday after the Uppal match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans was abandoned due to poor weather. After the rainout, two things emerged – Sunrisers Hyderabad became the third team to qualify for the IPL playoffs and Delhi Capitals became the fourth team after Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans to be eliminated from the tournament due to their poor run rate.

This means that apart from RCB and CSK, LSG (mathematically) remain in the contention for the fourth spot in the playoff.

So what are the IPL playoff scenarios in RCB vs CSK match?

  1. At the heart of this match are not only those two precious points but the victory margin as well. For instance, if RCB bat first and make 200 on the board, then they must restrict the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led squad to 182. Similarly, if CSK bat first and score 200 then RCB must reach the target in 18.1 overs. Only in these scenarios will RCB get a chance to better their NRR in comparison with CSK.
  2. But this simplistic sounding equation of 18-run win margin is easier said than done. Because apart from the math and cricket there’s third factor in play as well – the weather. Bengaluru along with other major cities of South India have been experiencing rains.
  3. In case the RCB vs CSK match 68 is washed out like Uppal and Motera, CSK will qualify despite getting just one point from the abandoned match. With 14 points, they are just one win away from playoff.
  4. The other scenario, though very faint but still possible is Lucknow Super Giants winning their match against Mumbai Indians. However, even if they win their match and RCB beat CSK and both teams are tied at 14 points, Faf Du Plessis & co will still get the playoff berth due to better run rate.
  5. In this mixup, there’s one factor that may be in favour of CSK. As said earlier, the victory margin will play the most crucial role in their match against RCB. In case they lose but the loss margin is less than 18 runs. If this happens, CSK’s superior NRR will ensure a playoff berth for the Yellow Army.