NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the last playoff spot in the Indian Premier League 2024 with a thrilling 27-run victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings in a high-stakes encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Skipper Faf du Plessis and star batsman Virat Kohli delivered key performances, setting the stage for RCB's decisive win.
Bengaluru posted a formidable total of 218/5, thanks to Du Plessis' 54 and Kohli's 47, in a rain-affected innings. Despite a spirited chase, CSK could only manage 191/7. Both teams ended up with 14 points, but RCB advanced to the playoffs on a superior run rate, extending their winning streak to six matches.
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag, speaking on Cricbuzz, showered praise on Kohli for yet another batting masterclass this season.
"The start was important, and the start he [Virat Kohli] gave was brilliant. Faf du Plessis scored more runs, but the momentum Kohli set was needed. Got out after scoring 47 but the strike rate was 162. Brilliant batting from Virat. He has done what he is known for. Virat Kohli is the big player of big match, I enjoyed a lot [bade match ke bade player hai Virat Kohli toh dekhkar bada anand aaya mujhe]. Happy that he made runs and team also won. Otherwise most of the time, he performed and team failed to win, feels bad about it. But today, he clicked and the team also won and qualified for playoffs. So double party today," Sehwag said.
India pacer Mohammed Shami echoed Sehwag's sentiments, highlighting the significance of Kohli's contribution throughout the tournament.
"Throughout the tournament, Virat Kohli has been providing good start to the team. But team was not supporting him. Today, along with captain [Faf] and Virat Kohli, others chipped in that's the change. Main point was captain and Kohli gave them a good start and other four batters also clicked, they also played with the same aggression. That's why RCB won," Shami explained.
Sehwag also lauded Kohli's leadership during RCB's team huddle, emphasizing the infectious energy he brings to the team. "Today it was required. When Virat Kohli remained charged up, others will also get the energy. Everyone is aggressive in RCB now, I am surprised. They were unbelievable today. So Virat's pep talk to motivate them was needed, especially for the bowlers," Sehwag added.
1/9:Royal Challengers Bengaluru knock out Chennai Super Kings to earn IPL playoffs spot
<p>Royal Challengers Bengaluru knock out Chennai Super Kings to earn IPL playoffs spot</p>AFP
2/9:RCB Playoff Entry
<p>Royal Challengers Bengaluru knocked out defending champions Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs and secured a playoff spot on Saturday.</p>AFP
3/9:Stunning Comeback
<p>Bengaluru achieved an amazing comeback by rising from the bottom of the table and winning six straight games to qualify for the playoffs.</p>AFP
4/9:Yash Dayal
<p>Chennai needed 219 runs for an outright win but managed only 201, falling 10 runs short as Yash Dayal held his nerve in the last over.</p>AFP
5/9:Playoff Picture
<p>The final playoff matchups will be determined after the last round-robin games on Sunday.</p>AFP
6/9:Cameron Green
<p>Bengaluru posted 218-5, led by Faf du Plessis' 54 off 39 balls and Cameron Green's unbeaten 38 off 17.</p>AFP
7/9:Mahendra Singh Dhoni
<p>Chennai's chase ended at 191-7, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni possibly making his last appearance, scoring 25 off 13.</p>AFP
8/9:Key Partnerships
<p>Du Plessis and Virat Kohli opened with 78 off 58 balls, while Rajat Patidar and Green added 71 off 28 balls for the third wicket.</p>AFP
9/9:Ravindra Jadeja
<p>Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten 42 off 22 and Dhoni's last-over drama were not enough as Chennai crashed out of the playoffs.</p>AFPShami, who has played under Kohli, praised his leadership style and the freedom he provides to his players.
"As a captain, Virat always gave us freedom. We have to plan our strategy, and execute them. If our plans didn't work, then we approached him," Shami noted.
On a lighter note, Shami shared an anecdote illustrating Kohli's boundless energy.
"The energy Virat has, it automatically divided to others too. And he was so charged up all the time, once I have intervened. I took a wicket, and Kohli ran from slip to mid-off and started jumping in celebrations. So, I called him and asked, 'who took the wicket?', he replied 'you'. Then I said, 'why are you jumping so much then?'"
With this victory, RCB will now face the eliminator match on Wednesday in Ahmedabad. The playoffs will feature table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, beginning with the first qualifier on Tuesday in Ahmedabad. The grand finale is set for May 26 in Chennai.
