RCB vs CSK IPL match could be washed out: Which team benefits from a no result? We explain

But things are slightly complicated ahead of the RCB vs CSK IPL match on Saturday.

There is a possibility that the weather Gods could play spoilsport in the RCB vs CSK match.

Here’s what the weather forecast on Accuweather for Saturday states: “Cloudy with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm in the afternoon”.

Forecasts indicate a 75 percent chance of rainfall in Bengaluru on the day of the RCB vs CSK IPL match from 8 pm to 11 pm. There are also predictions of scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected from late afternoon to midnight.

The Indian Meteorological Department, a government agency, has also predicted “thunderstorm and lightning” in South Interior Karnataka sub-region on Saturday, when the game is to be played.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni Captain of Chennai Super Kings and Virat Kohli Captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore at the toss during match 35 of the Vivo Indian Premier League between the ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE and the CHENNAI SUPER KINGS held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on the 24th September 2021. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia / Sportzpics for IPL)

A bulletin from IMD stated that “isolated heavy rainfall (is) very likely over South Interior Karnataka during 16th-20th May.”

What happens if RCB vs CSK gets washed out?

The question fans of both sets of fans are asking is: What happens if RCB vs CSK gets washed out, will RCB or CSK enter playoffs?

The answer is no. If the game gets washed out, RCB’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs are over. This is because currently (after Thursday’s IPL match between SRH and GT was washed out), CSK is fourth in the table with 14 points, while RCB has 12 points from 13 which places them sixth in the standings. Both need to win the final game, but RCB need to win it more desperately than CSK. A washout hands both teams one point each.

For CSK, the equation is slightly rosy: a washout in IPL match on Saturday in Bengaluru is good news for CSK as that will keep RCB below them.

Forget about splitting a point, even if the defending champions CSK lose the game against RCB — as long as they manage to avoid a heavy defeat against Bengaluru — they will be heading to the playoffs. RCB’s NRR is +0.387, while CSK’s is +0.528. A close win will not help RCB’s cause as it will keep them below SRH and CSK, who have a superior NRR. If CSK lose, they need to make sure the margin of defeat is closer than 17 runs. For instance, if RCB score 200, CSK must score at least 182. If RCB are chasing, CSK must ensure they don’t lose before 18.1 overs. (Rough calculations, could vary slightly based on exact scores). These scenarios will keep CSK’s NRR above RCB.

A win guarantees CSK a spot in the playoff stage for CSK and there is a scenario where they could even be in the top 2 – if RR (on a losing streak already) lose their last match and SRH win only one of their remaining two matches.