Cricket

RCB's Premature Celebrations Cost Them Dear, Says SrikkanthLegendary Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has criticized Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for their excessive celebrations after their victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Srikkanth believes that RCB's complacency led to their downfall in the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals (RR).RR defeated RCB by four wickets, ending their impressive comeback campaign. RCB had won six consecutive matches after a poor start, including a thrilling victory over CSK in their final league game. However, Srikkanth believes that RCB's celebrations after the CSK win were premature."In life when you are doing well, keep your mouth shut and keep going," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. "When you make noise out of something you are doing, you cannot do that work."Srikkanth criticized RCB for posting "unnecessary videos" and "showing off too much" after their win against CSK. He believes that this complacency allowed RR to exploit their weaknesses."That's why they came and destroyed them," Srikkanth said. "That's why in cricket you need to shut your mouth and play."Srikkanth also pointed out that RCB's six-match winning streak was not as impressive as the comebacks achieved by CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the past."CSK and MI have done this so many more times," Srikkanth said. "CSK and Mumbai have both come from nowhere and won titles. These guys won six matches and as soon as they qualified, they got knocked out."RCB captain Faf Du Plessis admitted that his team was short with the bat against RR."With the dew coming, we felt we were short with the bat," Du Plessis said. "Did think we were 20 runs shy of what was a good score."Du Plessis praised his team's fighting spirit but acknowledged that they were not special enough with the bat in the Eliminator."Extremely proud," Du Plessis said. "Lot of teams - their wheels would've fallen off after 1 from 9. To come back like that, six games in a row, takes a lot of heart and character. We weren't special tonight in terms of pushing that extra 20 runs with the bat."

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis expressed disappointment after his team's elimination from IPL 2024 by Rajasthan Royals (RR). He attributed the loss to a combination of the Impact Player rule and the dew during the chase, which he believes left RCB "20 runs short" of a competitive total.Batting first on a fresh pitch in Ahmedabad, RCB managed to post 172 for 8. However, du Plessis felt that the score was insufficient, especially considering the dew factor that would aid RR's chase. "With the dew coming in the second innings, we thought we were a little bit short with the bat," he said. "We needed a push, a few more runs to make it even more competitive."Du Plessis acknowledged the challenges of batting first on a sticky surface, but emphasized that the Impact Player rule has raised the par scores in T20 cricket. "If you look at naturally assessing the pitch and the conditions, you would say it's a 180 pitch," he explained. "But with the extra batter and the longer batting line-ups, your par scores are really not what they used to be, especially if there's dew."RCB's innings took a significant hit when they lost Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession. Maxwell's dismissal, in particular, drew criticism from commentators Varun Aaron and Tom Moody, who labeled it as "reckless" and a "brain fade."Despite the setback, du Plessis praised his team's resilience in reaching the playoffs after a poor start to the season. "A lot of teams would have probably fallen off after one [win] from nine [eight]," he said. "We have got great characters in that dressing room, all of us really put our hands up with a lot of pride and a lot of fight in us to make sure we give our best and give it absolutely everything we have."However, du Plessis lamented the missed opportunity to advance further in the tournament. "It's a sad ending when it goes your way like that, you feel like is it possibly written in the stars that you could do something special here but we weren't special tonight in terms of just pushing that extra 20 runs with the bat."

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 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.

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.

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.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs are set to commence, with four teams vying for the coveted title. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) were the first to secure their spots, followed by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, has been a consistent performer throughout the season, showcasing their all-around strength. RR, under the captaincy of Sanju Samson, started the tournament with a bang but have faced some setbacks recently.SRH, under the guidance of Kane Williamson, has overcome adversity to book their playoff berth. RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, clinched the final playoff spot in dramatic fashion, eliminating defending champions Chennai Super Kings.The playoffs will kick off with Qualifier 1 on May 21, featuring KKR and SRH at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Eliminator, scheduled for May 22 at the same venue, will pit RCB against RR.The loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on May 24 at the Chepauk in Chennai. The winner of Qualifier 2 will then take on the winner of Qualifier 1 in the IPL 2024 Final on May 26, also at the Chepauk.RCB, the only team among the four playoff contenders yet to win the IPL title, will be eager to break their duck. KKR, SRH, and RR will all be looking to add to their trophy cabinets.The playoffs promise to deliver high-octane cricket, with each team determined to emerge victorious. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the IPL 2024 season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs race is reaching its climax, with two spots remaining up for grabs. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have already secured their places in the top four, leaving five teams vying for the remaining two berths.Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all in contention for the playoffs. KKR currently lead the standings with 19 points from 13 matches, while RR is second with 16 points. SRH is third with 14 points, followed by CSK and RCB with 14 and 12 points, respectively.SRH has two matches remaining against Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings, while CSK and RCB face off in a virtual knockout game on Saturday. If SRH loses to GT on Thursday, it will boost RR's chances of finishing in the top two and also benefit RCB and CSK.RCB needs to beat CSK and hope their Net Run Rate (NRR) is higher than the defending champions to qualify for the playoffs. If SRH loses both of their remaining games, the equation will come down to the NRR of the three teams if CSK loses to RCB.According to Star Sports, SRH has an 87.3 percent chance of qualifying, followed by CSK (72.7 percent) and RCB (39.3 percent). DC has a 0.7 percent chance, while LSG has a 0.2 percent chance.The current standings between the teams in contention are as follows:1. Kolkata Knight Riders - 19 points in 13 matches (NRR +0.528)2. Rajasthan Royals - 16 points in 13 matches (NRR +0.406)3. Chennai Super Kings - 14 points in 13 matches (NRR +0.528)4. Sunrisers Hyderabad - 14 points in 12 matches (NRR +0.406)5. Delhi Capitals - 14 points in 14 matches (NRR -0.377)6. Royal Challengers Bengaluru - 12 points from 13 games (NRR +0.387)7. Lucknow Super Giants - 12 points from 13 games (NRR -0.787)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs race is heating up with only six league matches remaining. Rajasthan Royals have secured their spot in the top four, while five teams remain in contention for the two remaining playoff berths.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have a 75% chance of finishing as sole toppers and a 25% chance of ending up in second place. A win in their last game will guarantee them the top spot.Rajasthan Royals (RR) can top the table if they win their remaining games. They have a 25% chance of being sole toppers and a 40% chance of finishing second.Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are assured of a top-four finish on points but are not guaranteed qualification. They could end up tied for third or fourth with multiple teams.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are also sure to finish among the top four on points but face similar qualification uncertainties as CSK.Delhi Capitals (DC) have doubled their chances of finishing in the top four to 62.5% after their win over Lucknow Super Giants. However, they are not yet assured of qualification.Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have a 50% chance of making the top four. They must win their last game against CSK, but even that may not be enough.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are not out of contention despite their recent loss. They have a 31% chance of finishing in the top four but face potential ties with multiple teams.Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Gujarat Titans (GT) have already been eliminated from playoff contention.The remaining matches will determine the final playoff picture, with several teams facing must-win situations and potential tiebreakers.