IPL playoffs: Virat Kohli & Co may not qualify even if they beat MS Dhoni’s CSK

The crucial encounter between Virat Kohli’s RCB and MS Dhoni’s CSK for the playoffs in IPL 2024 has entered an intriguing stage with fans wondering whom to support. While fans are supporting MS Dhoni’s team as this might be the last IPL for ‘Thala’, many are confused whom to support as this might also become RCB’s first IPL win if Virat Kohli & Co play well and continue their winning streak.

Now, with three teams competing for the one spot in playoffs, fans are left in a dilemma as to whom to support. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants are the three sides who are still in contention.

While KL Rahul-led LSG’s chance for playoff is nearly impossible due to their net run rate, the opportunity is quite realistic for both CSK and RCB, who are all set for a do-or-die clash on Saturday.

However, RCB might not make to the playoffs owing to their low points and net run rate. The Super Kings are currently on 14 points while RCB only 12 points.

Furthermore, MS Dhoni’s team has a slightly better chance of going through, courtesy their superior net run rate than RCB ahead of the final league match of the season. 

On the other hand, the gloomy rainy weather has also painted a bad picture for the match, further helping CSK to easily enter the playoffs if the match gets abandoned.

As per data, the Faf du Plessis Army need to beat CSK by a margin of at least 18 runs, in a case where they bat first and put 200 runs on the board. By any chance if RCB win by 17 runs or less, they would be knocked out.

If RCB are batting second, they would need to reach the target with 11 balls to spare. Hence, the qualification scenario isn’t as simple and straightforward for Virat Kohli and his Co.