3 reasons why RCB are favorites to win IPL 2024 after win vs CSK

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted a remarkable turnaround to reach the IPL 2024 playoffs. They beat the Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday to leapfrog the defending champions on NRR to finish in the top-four.

Riding on contributions from all batters, the Royal Challengers mustered 218-5 on Saturday in their last league game. They needed to win by minimum 18 runs to leapfrog CSK on NRR and finish in the top-four.

The home side achieved that, winning by 27 runs, reaching the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. Yash Dayal defended 10 runs off the last two deliveries to redeem himself after conceding five sixes in an over last year.

The win guaranteed RCB a fourth-place finish in the standings. After their memorable comeback, many have now touted Bengaluru to snap their title drought and lift the trophy.

However, history shows that no team have won lifted the trophy after finishing fourth in the points table. Can the Royal Challengers Bengaluru buck the trend?

On that note, let's take a look at three reasons why RCB are the favorites to lift the trophy after their win over CSK.

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#1 Momentum with the winning streak

RCB had an awful start to this year's campaign. They were rooted to the bottom of the points table after winning only one game in their first eight matches. Even the the most loyal Bengaluru fans didn't give the side a chance to go deep.

However, the Royal Challengers did the unthinkable. They won six straight games, including their last league match against the Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, to qualify for the playoffs.

Faf du Plessis and Co. have momentum on their side, which is extremely important heading into the knockout stage. Given the momentum they are in, one can expect Bengaluru to continue it and win their next three games to lift their maiden IPL title.

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#2 Form of RCB batters

Barring Virat Kohli, none of the RCB batters had a good campaign with the bat. However, with the tournament approaching the playoff, the batters have slowly regained their form, as evidenced by their performance against Chennai.

Kohli and Du Plessis gave the side a wonderful start before Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green continued the momentum. Glenn Maxwell, who had a disappointing campaign until then, also showed glimpses of form, scoring 16 off five. Wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik also chipped in with a quickfire 14 off six.

With all batters hitting the groove at the right time, it could be a sign that this could be RCB's year.

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#3 Much better playoff experience

While it's true that they have not won the IPL yet, the Royal Challengers have performed consistently in the cash-rich league. It's evidenced by them reaching the playoffs four times in last five yearts.

Thus, they are arguably better equipped in terms of experiences of playing in the playoffs compared to the three other teams, SunRisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, who have made the top-four only twice in last five seasons.

Thus, Bengaluru know what it takes to win a playoff game and will bring in all their experience to break the jinx this year.