The much-awaited IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Bengaluru is under threat of rain, with a potential washout significantly impacting the playoffs race.

The washout dilemma

The IPL does not have reserve days for league matches, meaning a washout would leave no room for replaying the entire fixture. This puts immense pressure on this match, with the weather potentially deciding RCB’s fate.

Points on the line

If the match is completely abandoned due to rain, both teams will be awarded one point each. This scenario would heavily favour CSK, who would secure their place in the playoffs with 15 points. RCB, on the other hand, would crash out with only 13 points, their IPL campaign ending prematurely.

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Net Run Rate factor

Even if the rain allows for a partial match, things won’t be simple for RCB. With CSK boasting a superior Net Run Rate (+0.528), RCB, with current NRR of +0.387, would need a convincing win to climb above them in the points table. A close victory might not be enough, making this a do-or-die encounter for the Bengaluru-based franchise.

Playoffs picture

A washout or an RCB loss would open the door for other teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) or Delhi Capitals (DC) or Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to potentially sneak into the playoffs. SRH requires victories in one of their remaining games, while LSH have to win their last match of the season against Mumbai Indians (MI). Then both LSG and DC would have to wait on the results of other games.

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All eyes on the Bengaluru skies

With the playoffs hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the weather forecast for Bengaluru. Fans of both RCB and CSK, along with those invested in the wider playoff race, will be anxiously waiting to see if rain plays spoilsport or allows for a thrilling contest on the field.

As of now, there are 90% chances of rain in Bengaluru on the match day i.e. May 18.