Faf Du Plessis-Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) orchestrated a dramatic turnaround in the latter half of IPL 2024. After a sluggish start with only one win in their first eight matches, they pulled off a remarkable comeback. A dominant six-match winning streak propelled them back into playoff contention, securing their spot in the Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals on May 22, Wednesday. This impressive run culminated in a crucial victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last Saturday, booking their place in the knockout stages. Now, with momentum firmly on their side, Faf du Plessis' men are a force to be reckoned with. Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes RCB has become a team all other teams, including finalists Kolkata Knight Riders, fear. He even suggests that KKR would ideally prefer to avoid facing RCB in the finals considering their current hot streak.
“On paper, definitely they (KKR) will be favourite. But of course, the result is decided on the day. It doesn't matter if your team is the best or the worst. I don't think KKR would want RCB, because they have the momentum. If RCB reach the final, they will have the belief that the trophy is theirs; nobody can stop them,” Aaron told ESPNCricinfo.
The upcoming Eliminator match presents a tale of two teams on opposite ends of the IPL 2024 spectrum. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be brimming with confidence after their incredible six-match winning streak that secured their playoff spot. In stark contrast, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be battling to overcome a dismal second half of the season. They haven't registered a single win in May, leaving them in a precarious position for the crucial knockout match.
“There are still important matches left. The pressure of the final is entirely different. KKR wouldn't want RCB to qualify for the final, because they are coming with the belief that they want to win the IPL,” Aaron further said.
RCB's batting powerhouse fuels favoritism
Royal Challengers Bangalore's batting has been a key factor in their stunning comeback. Virat Kohli, the IPL's leading run-scorer with a whopping 708 runs in 14 matches, has been the rock at the top of the order throughout the season. This consistency is crucial, but it's not a one-man show. Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, and others have all contributed significantly with impressive performances in the recent winning streak.
Facing a struggling Rajasthan Royals team, RCB's well-rounded batting firepower makes them the clear favorites heading into the Eliminator.
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