Bengaluru: The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was abandoned without toss due to persistent rain, plunging fans and teams into suspense as the tournament approaches its crucial final phase.
RCB, currently sitting on 17 points, now face a tense wait to confirm their playoff spot. While their qualification looks promising, it is not yet guaranteed. The washout means KKR are officially eliminated from contention, but RCB’s fate depends on several outcomes in the remaining fixtures.
If there are no further rain disruptions, RCB could still miss out if Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) finish with 18 or more points. This scenario would create a complex three-way tie with Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC), bringing net run rate (NRR) into sharp focus.
For this to happen, PBKS and DC must win their upcoming match, followed by DC beating PBKS in a later game, while MI must win both of their remaining fixtures. Currently, RCB hold the advantage in NRR over their rivals, though the margin is narrow.
However, RCB will breathe easier if either PBKS or DC lose their next match, as a defeat for either side would confirm Bengaluru’s passage to the playoffs.
As the IPL table tightens, RCB remain vigilant, knowing that every result from now on will be crucial in shaping their tournament journey.