Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, have fallen behind in the race for the playoffs. Led by captain Rajat Patidar, RCB won four in the first five matches and placed in the top-2. But recently, the situation of Bengaluru has completely changed due to series of defeats. Currently they are in third position with six wins in 10 matches. To be in the top 2.. let’s see how RCB’s equations are.
If four matches are won:
RCB, who are currently third in the points table, still have four league matches left. In this, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have to face the teams. Especially the results against Punjab and Hyderabad which are at the top will decide the fate of RCB. If RCB wins the remaining four matches, they will end the league stage with 20 points. In the 10-team format, the team that scores 20 points will almost certainly stand in the top-2. This will give RCB a chance to play Qualifier-1.
If three matches are won:
RCB will end the league stage with 18 points if they win three out of four matches. The team’s current net run rate of 1.234 is a big plus. Even if the other teams end the league stage with the same points, RCB is likely to have the advantage of a better net run rate. But Bengaluru must win against Hyderabad or Punjab.
If both matches are won:
If RCB wins only two of the last four matches, they will have to settle for 16 points. The top-2 chances in that situation depend entirely on the results of the other teams. Hyderabad need to lose at least two of their remaining three matches. Also Punjab will have to lose three out of four matches. In addition Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans teams should not win more than two matches.
In these circumstances, RCB’s next two matches have become ‘do or die’. If they face another defeat, the top-2 hopes will become almost difficult. There is also a risk of dropping to third or fourth place in the points table. If RCB is to stand strong in the playoffs as expected by the fans, they have to play every match like a final. There is no doubt that RCB will be pushing hard for a chance to play Qualifier-1.
