IPL 2024 Qualification scenarios: How can GT qualify for playoffs after their nine-wicket loss to RCB?
Gujarat Titans (GT) were handed a nine-wicket hammering by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in match number 45 of IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, April 28. Sent into bat by RCB, GT put up a competitive total of 200-3, but Bengaluru raced past the score in 16 overs.
For Gujarat Titans, Sai Sudharsan top-scored with 84* off 49, while Shahrukh Khan contributed 58 off 30. The Royal Challengers, though, cruised to victory as Will Jacks clobbered 100* off 41, while Virat Kohli returned unbeaten on 70 off 44.
With four wins and six losses from 10 games, Gujarat Titans are seventh in the IPL 2024 points table with a net run rate of -1.113. Following two consecutive losses, GT's chances of reaching the IPL 2024 playoffs have suffered a setback.
Over the last two seasons, since the T20 league turned into a 10-team event, franchises have needed a minimum of 16 points to qualify for the playoffs. As such, Gujarat, who are on eight points, must win all their remaining games to end the league stage on 16 points.
If they win their remaining four games, Gujarat Titans will be in the hunt for playoffs qualification, but it might still not be enough to finish in the top-four. If multiple teams finish with 16 points, it will come down to net run rate. GT's run rate has taken a beating following their comprehensive loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
If Gujarat Titans lose even one of their remaining four matches, they will finish the league stage with 14 points, more or less knocking them out of contention.
For Gujarat to qualify with 14 points, the top three sides must end the league round with 16 or more points, while the remaining six teams should not go past 12. In such a scenario, which is highly unlikely, Gujarat Titans will finish fourth.
Also, if multiple teams fighting it out for the fourth place end with 14 points, Shubman Gill and Co. will need to have the best run rate among the sides to finish in the top-four.
GT's remaining matches in IPL 2024
After the crushing defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, Gujarat Titans face the same opponent at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 4. Their next match is against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad on May 10.
Gujarat conclude the league stage of IPL 2024 with a home game against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 13 and an away clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 16.
May 4: Gujarat vs Bengaluru, M Chinnaswamy Stadium (7:30 PM IST)
May 10: Gujarat vs Chennai, Narendra Modi Stadium (7:30 PM IST)
May 13: Gujarat vs Kolkata, Narendra Modi Stadium (7:30 PM IST)
May 16: Gujarat vs Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (7:30 PM IST)