IPL 2017: RCB's play-off chances over after 6th loss?

Bengaluru, April 28: When strength turns into weakness, it is difficult to find solutions. That is what has happened to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing 10th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

RCB have always relied on their batting powerhouse to deliver victories in the cash-rich Twenty20 tournament. Now, in IPL 2017, their batting has come a cropper for two successive games, resulting in massive losses.

File photo: Gayle (left) and Kohli during IPL 2017

After a shocking 49 all out against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Sunday, RCB were keen to bounce back to winning ways. But last night (April 27), again their batting failed, this time on their home ground - M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

For two contests in a row, RCB have been bowled out. On Thursday night, they folded for 134 in 20 overs. Gujarat Lions (GL) chased down this target in 13.5 overs with 7 wickets to spare.

Their 6th defeat in 9 matches has almost ended RCB's hopes of making the play-offs. With 5 more games to be played (2 at home), RCB, even if they win all (15 points), it might not guarantee a spot in the top-four.

RCB's net run rate is worst among all 8 teams as on April 27, 2017. They are 7th (5 points) in the 8-team standings with net run rate of -1.401.

Virat Kohli-led RCB next travel to Pune to face Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) on Saturday. From now on it is a do-or-die battle.

Their chances of making the play-offs remain very slim.

RCB's remaining fixtures

April 29 (Saturday) - Vs Pune in Pune - 4 PM IST

May 1 (Monday) - Vs Mumbai in Mumbai - 4 PM

May 5 (Friday) - Vs Punjab in Bengaluru - 8 PM

May 7 (Sunday) - Vs Kolkata in Bengaluru - 4 PM

May 14 (Sunday) - Vs Delhi in Delhi - 8 PM

OneIndia News