Cricket

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

Virat Kohli's valiant efforts, culminating in a tournament-leading 741 runs in 15 matches, proved insufficient as Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) quest for an elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) title remains unfulfilled.After RCB's heartbreaking four-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, Kohli's symbolic dislodging of the bails reflected his profound disappointment at the team's failure to advance further.Kohli's remarkable 741 runs, amassed at an impressive average of 61.75, showcased his unwavering reliability and insatiable hunger for runs. He illuminated the tournament with 62 boundaries and 38 towering sixes, captivating fans and inspiring his team.Earlier in the match, Kohli etched his name in IPL history by becoming the first player to surpass 8000 runs. This monumental achievement underscores his unparalleled consistency, skill, and dominance in the tournament since its inception.The former RCB captain reached this milestone in his 252nd IPL match, boasting an impressive tally of 8 centuries and 55 fifties.RCB's remarkable turnaround, rising from the bottom of the table after eight matches to win six in a row and secure a play-off berth, ultimately proved insufficient.In the do-or-die playoff at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Rajasthan restricted RCB to 172-8, successfully chasing the target with six balls to spare.Rajasthan will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on Friday in Chennai, with the winner advancing to face Kolkata Knight Riders in the final on May 26.

Virat Kohli's Spectacular Throw Electrifies IPL 2024 EliminatorIn a heart-stopping moment during the IPL 2024 Eliminator, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) talismanic batter Virat Kohli showcased his fielding brilliance with a breathtaking throw that dismissed Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Dhruv Jurel.Positioned at deep-square leg at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, Kohli's lightning-fast reflexes and pinpoint accuracy caught Jurel short as he attempted a second run. With the ball in his hands, Kohli moved swiftly to his left, gathered it, and unleashed a precise throw towards the bowler's end.Cameron Green, the bowler, was waiting at the stumps and disturbed them just as Jurel was attempting to complete his second run. The dismissal was a testament to Kohli's exceptional fielding skills and his unwavering commitment to the game.Kohli's electric display of athleticism and precision was pivotal, energising the RCB and shifting momentum in their favour. It was a reminder of his all-round capabilities and his unwavering dedication to the sport.The dismissal also highlighted the importance of fielding in modern-day cricket. With the game becoming increasingly competitive, teams are placing a greater emphasis on fielding as a way to gain an edge over their opponents.Kohli's spectacular throw is a testament to the hard work and dedication he puts into his fielding. It is a skill that he has honed over many years of practice and experience.The dismissal was a major turning point in the match, and it ultimately helped RCB secure a crucial victory. Kohli's fielding brilliance once again underscored his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game.

Virat Kohli's audacious slog sweep has been a game-changer for him in the IPL 2024, propelling his strike rate to new heights. However, the shot proved to be his undoing in the crucial Eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals, where he fell to the guile of Yuzvendra Chahal.Kohli's innings began promisingly, with the star batter looking poised for a substantial contribution. He had already dispatched a couple of boundaries before Chahal's introduction in the eighth over. The leg-spinner's crafty delivery deceived Kohli, who mistimed his slog sweep and sent the ball high into the air.Substitute fielder Donovan Ferreira, positioned at deep midwicket, displayed remarkable athleticism to take a stunning catch above his head. Kohli's dismissal sent shockwaves through the RCB camp, as he had been expected to anchor the innings.Following the match, former England batter Kevin Pietersen offered his insights on Kohli's dismissal. Pietersen believes that Kohli should continue playing the slog sweep, despite its inherent risks."You got to keep playing. You got to understand that sometimes, you're taking that risk, it's a risk for a reason," Pietersen said. "You got to keep playing it. It has elevated his game, and his strike rate. He had been struggling. It was something people had been concerned about in the middle overs."Pietersen also emphasized the importance of Kohli maintaining this shot in his repertoire as he transitions to playing for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup."Kohli would be livid with himself with that dismissal. He would have wanted to build something impressive here this evening on the big occasion. You got to keep playing it. His strike rate has increased significantly this season because of that shot.""He doesn't need to park it. He's got to keep playing that shot all the way through June," Pietersen added.Kohli's dismissal highlights the delicate balance between risk and reward in T20 cricket. While the slog sweep can be a potent weapon, it also carries the potential for failure. Kohli's challenge will be to find the right balance between aggression and caution as he looks to lead India to glory in the T20 World Cup.

TV Umpire's Controversial Decision Sparks Scrutiny in RCB-RR EliminatorDuring the Eliminator match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Ahmedabad, a contentious decision by TV umpire Anil Chaudhary raised eyebrows. In the 15th over of RCB's innings, Dinesh Karthik was initially given out lbw by on-field umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan. However, after a brief consultation with his partner Mahipal Lomror, Karthik opted for a DRS review.Replays showed the ball passing close to Karthik's bat and striking his front pad as he came forward. The crucial question was whether the spike on Ultra Edge indicated the ball hitting the inside edge of the bat or the bat hitting the pad. Chaudhary, the TV umpire, deemed it as bat on ball and overturned the on-field decision to not out.This decision drew immediate criticism from TV commentators and the Rajasthan Royals camp. Replays seemed inconclusive, and many believed that the on-field umpire's initial call should have been upheld. If Karthik had been given out, RCB would have been in a precarious position at 122 for 6.Despite the controversy, Karthik went on to score 11 runs off 12 balls, forming a crucial partnership with Lomror. He was eventually dismissed in the 19th over, and RCB finished on 172 for 8.The incident highlights the challenges and complexities of using technology in cricket decision-making. While DRS has been instrumental in correcting umpiring errors, it can also lead to subjective interpretations and controversial outcomes. The decision to overturn the lbw call against Karthik will undoubtedly be debated and analyzed in the coming days.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to surpass the 8000-run mark. This remarkable achievement, accomplished during the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, is a testament to Kohli's unparalleled consistency, skill, and dominance in the tournament.Kohli's journey to 8000 runs is a saga of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for the game. Since his IPL debut in 2008, he has been the cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, leading them with distinction and inspiring a generation of young cricketers.Over the years, Kohli has amassed an astonishing 8 centuries and 55 fifties in the IPL, showcasing his ability to score runs at a prolific rate. His exceptional batting technique, coupled with his astute game sense and leadership qualities, has made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world.Kohli's achievement is even more remarkable considering the high level of competition in the IPL. The tournament attracts the best players from around the globe, making it one of the most challenging and competitive cricket leagues in the world. Kohli's ability to consistently perform at the highest level, despite the intense pressure, is a testament to his mental fortitude and unwavering determination.As Kohli continues to add to his already impressive list of achievements, his legacy in the IPL is firmly cemented. He has set the bar higher for future generations of cricketers, inspiring them to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of the game.

Virat Kohli's resilience under criticism has been a constant throughout his illustrious career. South African legend AB de Villiers, who has witnessed Kohli's journey from close quarters, has observed how the Indian star thrives on adversity.During the early stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli faced criticism from legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar over his strike rate. However, Kohli responded with a series of high-scoring performances, proving his ability to silence his critics."I enjoyed that," said de Villiers, referring to the debate surrounding Kohli's strike rate. "It was really bad for someone like that, a hero and a role model of the country, to get so much criticism. But I knew that's exactly what would happen to him."De Villiers believes that criticism motivates Kohli to perform at his best. "I used to tell the players in the team room, you do not say one word to Virat on the pitch because he will come out and he will score a big 100 if you try and chirp him," he said.Kohli's leadership and determination were crucial in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) remarkable turnaround in the IPL. After a dismal start with only one win in eight games, RCB staged a stunning comeback with six consecutive victories to secure a play-off spot."When the team is down and out, a player like Kohli can play a huge role in lifting the spirits," said de Villiers. "He showed the kind of care that he has for the team and the desire to ultimately go and win a trophy."De Villiers praised Kohli's unwavering intensity and commitment, even during RCB's losing streak. "To see that in one of your senior players who's achieved everything in cricket, it's incredibly motivational and inspirational," he said.Kohli's selfless acts, such as celebrating his teammates' successes and encouraging young players, also played a significant role in RCB's resurgence. "That ultimately is a selfless act," said de Villiers.

RCB Cancels Practice Session Due to Virat Kohli's Security ConcernsAhead of their crucial IPL 2024 Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were forced to cancel their only practice session due to a security concern surrounding star batsman Virat Kohli.According to reports, the Gujarat Police alerted the IPL franchises about a potential threat to Kohli's safety. As a result, RCB decided to abandon their scheduled practice at the Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The franchise also canceled a press conference on the eve of the match.The Gujarat Police reportedly arrested four individuals in Ahmedabad on suspicion of terrorist activity. The police hinted that this was the primary reason behind the cancellation of RCB's practice session and press conference."Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority," said Vijay Singha Jwala, a police officer. "RCB did not want to take a risk. They informed us that there would be no practice session."Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, went ahead with their practice schedule despite being informed about the security threat. However, some of their players, including R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Riyan Parag, opted to stay at the hotel and skip the practice session. Skipper Sanju Samson arrived at the ground late.The police have beefed up security arrangements outside RCB's team hotel and around the stadium. IPL-accredited members were reportedly denied entry to the team hotel. A 'green corridor' was created for Rajasthan Royals to reach the training ground.Strict security measures are expected to be in place for the IPL 2024 Eliminator between RCB and RR on Wednesday. The match will be a crucial one for both teams, as the winner will advance to the Qualifier 2.

Virat Kohli's resurgence has been the driving force behind Royal Challengers Bangalore's remarkable turnaround in IPL 2024. After a dismal start, RCB has won six consecutive matches to qualify for the playoffs, where they will face Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator on Wednesday.Kohli has silenced critics who questioned his T20 strike rate by amassing the most runs in the tournament. With 708 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 155.60, including one century and five half-centuries, he has led RCB's resurgence.In a video shared by Star Sports, Kohli revealed his approach to finding solutions while batting. "I keep things simple. I don't rely on stats or analysis. I trust my instincts and react to the ball. Finding solutions is an in-the-moment process," he said.Kohli's ability to adapt and find solutions has been crucial for RCB's success. After losing seven of their first eight matches, they have turned their season around with a six-match winning streak.If RCB defeats Rajasthan on Wednesday, they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 for a chance to reach the final against Kolkata Knight Riders. Kolkata secured a place in the title clash by defeating Sunrisers in Qualifier 1.Kohli's leadership and RCB's newfound momentum make them a formidable opponent in the playoffs. With the former India captain in top form, RCB will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament.