RCB's IPL Dream Ends in Heartbreak as RR Advances

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL Dream Ends in Heartbreak as Rajasthan Royals Advance

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) remarkable six-match winning streak came to a crushing end on Tuesday as they succumbed to a four-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.

The loss marked RCB's 10th playoff defeat in 16 appearances, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of the team and their passionate fans. As disappointment washed over the RCB camp, former skipper Virat Kohli was spotted consoling teammate Dinesh Karthik, who was visibly distraught after the match.

Karthik, who was playing in what was widely believed to be his final IPL season, had hoped to end his career on a high note with a title victory. However, the Eliminator loss shattered those dreams, leaving the veteran keeper-batter heartbroken.

After the game, Kohli embraced Karthik in a warm hug, offering words of comfort to his teammate. The moment captured the emotions of the RCB camp, who had fought valiantly but ultimately fell short of their goal.

Meanwhile, RR celebrated their hard-fought victory, which kept their IPL hopes alive. Electing to field first, RR restricted RCB to a below-par 172 for 8, with Prasidh Krishna and Trent Boult sharing seven wickets between them.

In response, RR's chase was far from smooth, but they managed to reach the target with one over to spare. Jos Buttler (70) and Sanju Samson (27) provided the early impetus, while Riyan Parag (56) played a crucial knock in the middle order.

RR will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second qualifier on Friday, with the winner advancing to the final against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on Sunday.

Tags: #IPL2022, #RCB, #RR, #Eliminator, #ViratKohli