Can RCB Make it to the Last Four?

Royal Challengers Bangalore have had the worst start to the IPL 2019 season with losing 6 matches in a row. However, the Virat Kohli-led RCB kept their playoff hopes alive after winning three consecutive matches.

No team has ever made it to the last four after losing their first six matches. It would be a miracle if the Challengers qualify for the knockout stage of the IPL 2019. But the Bengaluru franchise cannot afford to lose even a single match in order to be a contender for a spot in the playoffs.

It is understood by mathematical calculations that a team can lose a maximum of seven matches and still qualify for the playoffs. While other factors like net run rate come into action for a team to qualify for the playoffs with 14 points on the table. With 3 matches to go, Virat Kohli & Co.has to win it all to stay in the race.

Mumbai Indians lost four of their first five matches in 2014 and still managed to be among the last four with 14 points. It is difficult but not impossible for the Royal Challengers.

RCB would be satisfied with their bowling unit finally performing well in the last two games against CSK and KXIP respectively.

With the coming of Dale Steyn in the bowling attack, the bowlers have held their nerves in the crucial moments and helped their side to win close matches. Virat Kohli also found the right bowling combination with a provision of having an extra spinner into the attack.

Also, AB de Villiers and Parthiv Patel look in great touch making it easier for their skipper to bat freely. Adding to this, there will be a home advantage for the side in two of the last 3 matches.

But there are some worries for RCB as Marcus Stoinis and Moeen Ali will depart to their respective countries and join the World Cup squad for practice. The options left for Virat Kohli would be Colin de Grandhomme and Shimron Hetmyer, but the two have failed to perform for the side. Heinrich Klassen too has failed to inspire confidence in him. Dale Steyn will also miss the remaining season after injuring his shoulder, which is a worry for RCB. Moreover, the net run rate could become one of the hurdles for RCB to reach the knockout stage. RCB has a net run rate of -0.683, the lowest in the tournament.

RCB has a gap of three days before they face Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, Delhi. the Challengers have never lost a match at Feroz Shah Kotla since the 2010 edition. Virat Kohli would be hoping to carry on their momentum and record in Delhi. Delhi Capitals are currently on the top of the table and beating them would certainly boost the confidence in the RCB unit.

They’ll then move back to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru for their last two matches. They’ll first face the 8th position Rajasthan Royals. RR is not in a good form and would be missing their key players, Steve Smith and Jos Buttler, which would be an advantage for RCB.

Their last matchup is against SRH, who will be missing their 2 match winners David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. It would not be a difficult task to beat SRH in Bengaluru following the absence of their best players.

Finally, the never give up attitude of the skipper Virat Kohli would certainly help RCB to stay positive and have the right fighting spirit.