Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a thrilling 27-run victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, securing their spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. The victory marked RCB's sixth consecutive win of the season, igniting jubilant celebrations both inside and outside the M Chinnaswamy stadium.At the heart of the celebrations was Virat Kohli, the marquee batter who led the team's charge to the playoffs. Kohli's emotions were evident as tears welled up in his eyes, capturing the significance of the moment for the team and its fans.Kohli's reaction was captured by a fan sitting near the boundary rope, providing a glimpse into the raw emotions of the victory. The video shows Kohli jubilantly celebrating, his aggression and passion on full display.The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Kohli and Faf du Plessis started the innings on the offensive, hitting a couple of sixes before rain halted their charge. After the resumption, Kohli and du Plessis faced a spin challenge from Maheesh Theekshana and Mitchell Santner.Despite the spin threat, Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green steadied the ship, forming a crucial partnership of 71 off 28 balls. Bengaluru's bowlers then took control, with Glenn Maxwell striking on the first ball to dismiss Gaikwad for a duck. Yash Dayal and du Plessis also played key roles in restricting CSK's chase.In the end, it was Dayal who kept his calm in the final over, dismissing Dhoni and giving away just one run to secure the victory. The win was a collective effort, with each player contributing to the team's success.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has emerged as the phoenix of IPL 2024, rising from the ashes of a dismal start to secure a playoff berth. After losing seven of their first eight matches, RCB has staged a remarkable comeback, winning six consecutive games to finish fourth on the points table.Virat Kohli, RCB's icon and the league's leading run-getter with 708 runs, has been instrumental in this resurgence. However, the batting legend remains focused on the upcoming Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, which will determine their fate in the tournament."We gotta focus on the next one," Kohli said. "God's got a plan. You just need to be honest with what you are doing. I think we were pretty honest with our hard work and we got the rewards."RCB's turnaround has been nothing short of extraordinary. No other team has ever recovered from such a poor start to reach the playoffs. Their success has been built on a collective effort, with contributions from the entire squad.Faf du Plessis, the team's captain, has provided stability at the top of the order, while Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik have been explosive in the middle overs. The bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood and Harshal Patel, has also been impressive, restricting opponents to low scores.Despite their recent success, RCB remains hungry for more. They have yet to win the IPL title, and they will be determined to end their wait in this edition. The Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals will be a crucial test, but if they can maintain their current form, they have a real chance of reaching the final.

Virat Kohli's IPL 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both brilliance and controversy. The former India captain has been the driving force behind Royal Challengers Bangalore's late surge into playoff contention, scoring runs aplenty and reigniting debates over his strike rate.Kohli's transformation this season has been remarkable. He has shed the fear of getting out, allowing him to play his shots from the get-go. This has resulted in a string of bruising batting displays that have papered over RCB's irregular start to the tournament.Despite the team's early struggles, Kohli remained focused, believing that it was only a matter of time before his teammates turned the corner. His unwavering belief inspired his colleagues, and RCB has been a different beast altogether since the likes of Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Will Jacks, and Cameron Green found their form.Kohli's impact extends beyond his runs. He has shown his adeptness at batting deep into the innings without sacrificing an acceptable rate of scoring. His strike rate of 155.60 is significantly higher than his career IPL strike rate of 131.95.The 35-year-old's fitness and ability to judge a run to perfection make him a formidable force in the middle order. He will be a crucial component of India's batting wheel at the upcoming T20 World Cup.Kohli's return to form is a timely boost for India, who have endured a prolonged barren run in global tournaments. This could be their chance to set the record straight, with Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both closer to the end of their careers than the beginning, looking to end their international careers on a high.

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend Chris Gayle made a triumphant return to the franchise's dressing room at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, witnessing his old team secure a thrilling victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs.Gayle, who once formed a formidable opening partnership with Virat Kohli for RCB, was overjoyed to see his former side's heroic performance. Upon entering the dressing room, he recreated his iconic celebration with Kohli, embracing the RCB stalwart with a warm hug.Gayle's presence at the stadium was a testament to his enduring love for RCB. He witnessed the team make history by becoming the first to qualify for the playoffs despite having just one win in their first seven games of the season.During the game, Gayle expressed his admiration for the franchise and joked about being available as an impact substitute if needed. "As you can see, the jersey still fits, so if they need an extra man, I can be the impact player," he said.Gayle's return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium evoked fond memories of his record-breaking exploits. In 2013, he smashed an unbeaten 175 off just 66 deliveries against Pune Warriors, a knock that remains the highest score in T20 cricket."It is always good to be back where you have fun memories," Gayle said. "The atmosphere is brilliant, and the fans played a big part during my career with RCB."In the match against CSK, RCB posted a formidable 218/5 on the board. Their bowlers then restricted CSK to 201, securing a 27-run victory and improving their net run rate. This triumph sealed their spot in the final four of the IPL playoffs.Gayle's presence and the team's victory created an unforgettable atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Universe Boss and the passion of RCB fans.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have defied all odds to qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2024, despite a dismal start to their campaign. After losing seven of their first eight games, RCB have staged a remarkable turnaround, winning their last six matches.Their most crucial victory came on Saturday night against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). A video of Virat Kohli's motivational speech to a group of youngsters has gone viral, in which he emphasized the importance of believing in even a one percent chance.Kohli's words have proven prophetic for RCB, as they have clawed their way back into contention. Kohli himself has been instrumental in their resurgence, leading the league in runs scored with a staggering 708 in 14 innings.In their match against CSK, RCB posted a competitive 218 for 5 on a challenging track. Skipper Faf du Plessis led the way with a 39-ball 54. The hosts then restricted CSK to 191 for 7, securing a 27-run victory.However, CSK could have still qualified for the playoffs if they had reached the 201-run mark. But RCB paceman Yash Dayal held his nerve in the final over to deny the five-time champions.RCB's victory propelled them to 14 points, level with CSK. However, RCB's superior net run rate earned them the fourth spot in the standings.The top four teams at the end of the league stage qualify for the playoffs. Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already secured their spots. RCB's qualification is a testament to their resilience and determination.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a thrilling 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a high-stakes encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, sealing their place in the playoffs of IPL 2024.RCB, batting first, posted a formidable total of 218 for 5, thanks to a blistering start from Faf du Plessis (54) and Virat Kohli (47). Rajat Patidar (41) and Cameron Green (38) provided valuable contributions.CSK's chase began promisingly, with Ravindra Jadeja (61) and MS Dhoni (28) leading the charge. However, Yash Dayal's exceptional bowling (4-42) proved to be the difference-maker.In a nail-biting finish, CSK needed 10 runs off the last two balls to qualify. Jadeja, who had been the hero of CSK's title triumph last year, was on strike. But Dayal's off-pace deliveries denied him the opportunity to repeat his heroics.RCB's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. They had been in a similar situation last year, needing a win in their final league match to make the playoffs. This time, they delivered under pressure, knocking CSK out of the tournament.For CSK, the defeat marked the end of their IPL 2024 campaign. Despite a strong start, they failed to maintain consistency and ultimately fell short of the playoffs.

In a crucial do-or-die clash in the IPL 2024, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batters put up a formidable performance against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With a playoff spot on the line, RCB needed to beat CSK by 18 runs to secure a top-four finish.RCB's opening duo of Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis set the tone with a solid start. Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green all contributed to the team's massive total. Du Plessis led the charge with a half-century, while Kohli narrowly missed out on the milestone by three runs.Kohli's dismissal sparked controversy when he was caught on the boundary ropes by Daryl Mitchell off Mitchell Santner. Mitchell's precarious position near the ropes raised questions about whether he had stepped out of bounds. Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, initially believed Mitchell had overstepped but later realized the catch was legitimate.Despite the setback, RCB continued to pile on the runs, posting a daunting target for CSK. The match took an unexpected turn when Kohli expressed his concerns about the Impact Player Rule, which allows teams to introduce a 12th player from a five-player list.Kohli argued that the rule has disrupted the balance of the game, particularly in the powerplays, where he has been able to maintain a high strike rate due to the presence of an extra batter. He also expressed concern that all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar are not getting enough bowling opportunities.Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, echoed Kohli's sentiments, stating that the Impact Player Rule is hindering the development of all-rounders. He believes that the rule takes away from the traditional 11-player format and may not be beneficial for the long-term growth of the sport.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) talismanic opener Virat Kohli etched his name alongside RCB legend Chris Gayle on Saturday by equaling the record for most 700-plus runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Kohli's blistering 29-ball 47 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium marked the second time he has surpassed the 700-run mark in an IPL season, having amassed 973 runs in 2016.Gayle previously held the record for most 700-plus run seasons with two, scoring 733 runs in 2012 and 708 in 2013. Kohli's latest feat also marks the 10th instance of a batter aggregating 700-plus runs in a single IPL season.Kohli's 47-run knock was a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. He struck three boundaries and four towering sixes, bringing his tally of sixes in IPL 2024 to 37. This places him second only to his own record of 38 maximums in the 2016 edition.Kohli's innings came to an end in the 10th over when Mitchell Santner dismissed him, with Daryl Mitchell taking a sharp catch at long-on. Despite his departure, Kohli's contribution played a crucial role in RCB's victory, which kept their playoff hopes alive.Kohli's consistency and longevity in the IPL are remarkable. He has now scored over 6,000 runs in the tournament, making him one of the most prolific batters in its history. His ability to adapt to different conditions and situations makes him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack.As RCB gears up for the playoffs, Kohli's experience and leadership will be invaluable. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and anchor the innings will be crucial to the team's success. With Kohli in their ranks, RCB will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament and challenging for the title.

Virat Kohli's Majestic Six Roars Through Chinnaswamy Stadium RoofIn a thrilling do-or-die clash against Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's talismanic skipper Virat Kohli showcased his exceptional batting prowess with a thunderous six that reverberated through the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.Facing CSK pacer Tushar Deshpande, Kohli unleashed a devastating pull shot on the first ball of the third over. The ball soared high over long-leg, connecting with the tin roof of the stadium with a resounding thud before falling back into the stands.Kohli's partner, Faf du Plessis, was visibly awestruck by the sheer power and precision of the shot. The crowd erupted in a frenzy, recognizing the brilliance of the moment.The six was a testament to Kohli's remarkable hand-eye coordination and impeccable timing. It also served as a reminder of his ability to produce match-winning performances under immense pressure.RCB's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs rested heavily on this crucial encounter. With a better net run-rate and more points, defending champions CSK were the favorites. However, RCB needed to win by a significant margin to secure their place in the knockout stage.The six by Kohli ignited a spark of hope among the RCB faithful. It demonstrated the team's determination to overcome the odds and emerge victorious. The match remains poised on a knife's edge, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for a place in the playoffs.