NEW DELHI: Following their fifth consecutive IPL victory, former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru have demonstrated their ability to execute when it matters most.
Virat Kohli and company, who were languishing at the bottom of the points table ten days ago, have regained their momentum. They have a realistic possibility of making it to the knockout stage thanks to their winning run.
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IPL ORANGE CAPIPL PURPLE CAPIPL POINTS TABLE
"Once again, RCB has demonstrated their ability to deliver when it counts, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the two teams," Moody said on Star Sports.
They will play their final league game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings, who are also in the running for a playoff berth.
"It's iconic for the entire IPL, truly. You've got two colossal names in cricket here in India and in world cricket-Dhoni and Kohli.
"They're both dominant figures, leaving a huge legacy wherever they've been. And the interesting thing is anything can still happen on that table."
With the exception of the previously qualified Kolkata Knight Riders, up to seven teams remain in the running for a postseason spot.
"After the weekend, I was assuming that a couple of results will sort of fall the way they should fall and then we'll have a clear idea who's going to end up in that top four.
"Yet, it's still anyone's game. Any team could clinch a spot in that coveted top four," Moody said.
Following a slow start to the season, RCB batsman Rajat Patidar has clicked, amassing five fifties at a rapid clip over the last seven innings.
"Patidar, in particular, has been a revelation in the past five or six games, notching up several quick-fire half-centuries.
"His aggressive approach has consistently put pressure on the opposition's bowling attack, making it incredibly challenging for them to get back into the contest," Moody added.
(With PTI inputs)
1/9:Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Delhi Capitals to keep playoff hopes alive
<p>Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Delhi Capitals to keep playoff hopes alive</p>AFP
2/9:Rajat Patidar
<p>Rajat Patidar's aggressive half-century and brilliant bowling performance guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their fifth consecutive victory.</p>AFP
3/9:Cameron Green
<p>Bengaluru set a challenging target of 187-9, fueled by Cameron Green's unbeaten 32 off 24 balls, before their bowlers dismantled Delhi's batting lineup, bowling them out for 140 in 19.1 overs.</p>AFP
4/9:Top-four Ambitions
<p>With this win, Bengaluru climbed to fifth place in the IPL standings, although they must win their final league match and rely on other results to secure a top-four finish.</p>AFP
5/9:Superior run rate
<p>Delhi Capitals slipped to sixth position with 12 points, the same as Bengaluru, but the latter boasts a superior run rate.</p>AFP
6/9:CSK at third
<p>Chennai Super Kings, led by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, secured a crucial five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals, advancing to third place in the IPL standings with 14 points.</p>AFP
7/9:Royals remain second
<p>Despite the loss, Rajasthan Royals remained in second place in the IPL table, behind Kolkata Knight Riders, who have already secured a spot in the playoffs.</p>AFP
8/9:Kohli lays the foundation
<p>In the second match, Virat Kohli's aggressive start laid the foundation for Bengaluru's total, with his 27 off 13 balls contributing to the team's success, especially in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who was suspended.</p>AFP
