NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Faf du Plessis has expressed his delight at his team's incredible fightback to secure the final playoff spot in the ongoing Indian Premier League with a crucial win over Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
The RCB captain described the franchise's turnaround in the tournament as "fun" and praised the team's resilience.
RCB's season initially seemed doomed after a poor first half, winning just one out of their first eight matches. However, they staged a remarkable comeback, winning six consecutive games to finish the league stage in fourth place with seven wins, seven losses, and a total of 14 points.
Their superior net run rate helped them edge out CSK, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants, who also ended the league stage with 14 points.
Faf du Plessis shared his excitement on Instagram, posting, "How fun was that... so proud of everyone the way they have made the impossible happen. Special night. Special group. Look forward to the next one."
RCB's next challenge is the Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 22. The winner of this match will face the loser of the Qualifier 1 in the Qualifier 2 clash in Chennai on May 24, with the victor advancing to the final on May 26 in Chennai.
Faf du Plessis has been a key performer for RCB this season, scoring 421 runs at an average of 30.07 and a strike rate of over 163. He has registered four half-centuries, with his highest score being 64.
The RCB skipper's leadership and consistent performances have been instrumental in the team's turnaround, and fans will be hoping for more of the same as they aim to go all the way in the playoffs.
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>AFP(With inputs from ANI)
