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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 as the latter booked their place in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 27. Asked to bat first, RCB could only muster 157 runs, and skipper Faf du Plessis believes that it was their slow start to the match that led to their ultimate loss.
"It was pretty challenging with the new ball, it moved around a bit. But we got through the first six without much damage. It felt like Test cricket in that first session. More bounce really. Still, we felt 180 was par. I am really proud otherwise," the South African opener and RCB skipper said after the match.
RCB have had a topsy-turvy season but fought off their challengers well to reach this stage of the cash-rich competition. Sharing his thoughts on their season, Du Plessis heaped praise on some of his teammates and was happy with their overall performance this season, "It has been a great season for RCB. My first season to see how special the crowds have been for us. Harshal (Patel), DK (Dinesh Karthik) all the guys who are picked for India deserve it.
"I stand proud of the team even though we were not at our best tonight and against a very strong Rajasthan Royals side. There is some really nice young talent in our squad, and you have a three-year plan. That's what you look to maximise. You can see how good Rajat (Patidar) has been after he came in.
"Our fans have been the most obvious thing. You go to any game anywhere and you have RCB-RCB chanted. The guys were emotional when we heard the RCB chants even when playing Mumbai. So well done to our fans and thank you very much," concluded Faf.
Leading the batting for RCB was Rajat Patidar once again, but Jos Buttler's fourth century of the season condemned RCB to a loss as RR qualified for the IPL 2022 final for the first time since the inaugural 2008 IPL season.
