IPL 2022, RCB vs PBKS: Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Punjab Kings as the race to playoffs intensifies

With two matches in hand and 14 points from 12 outings, any slip-up now could prove detrimental to the Faf du Plessis-led side. They take on a struggling Punjab Kings on Friday and face Gujarat Titans, who have already sealed their last-four berth, in their final league engagement on May 19. RCB will have to win the remaining matches not just to ensure a safe passage but also have a shot at qualifying among the top two, which gives them an extra cushion of another chance to make the final.

On the batting front, Virat Kohli continues to be a worrying factor while others like skipper Du Plessis and Rajat Patidar have ticked a few boxes. The biggest positive is the return to form of finisher Dinesh Karthik after a brief lull. Punjab are skating on thin ice with five wins from 11 matches. They have been dogged by inconsistency but have an outside chance of advancing if they win their next three matches handsomely.