New Delhi, May 13 -- A fortnight ago, Rajasthan Royals, with 16 points in nine matches, were just a win away from sealing their entry into the IPL playoffs. They have played 12 matches now, but they are still a win away from securing a playoff spot having suffered three defeats on the trot.

Their destiny is very much in their hands, but with their final league game being against table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - the only team so far to confirm passage to the playoffs - they wouldn't want to push it that far. A win in their next game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) becomes imperative then as they seek a top-two berth to get a second shot at making the final.

Having won eight of their first nine matches, a blip in recent days was pe...