Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) staged a sensational comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to book their playoff spot after losing seven out of their first eight matches of the season. Despite the bleak chances of qualification, RCB fans continued to flock to the stadium and their trust in the franchise paid off. On May 18, RCB beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium to finish fourth on the points table.
After the win, fans went berserk on Bengaluru streets. Videos of fans celebrating the win went viral on social media. As the team bus left the stadium at 1:30 AM, fans lined up on the streets. They stood on their cars' roofs to make videos and get a glimpse of players who created history. The fans were present on every corner till the team bus reached the hotel.
Du Plessis lauds fans
RCB skipper Faf du Plessis was ecstatic after the win and thanked the fans' support throughout the season and in the virtual knockout against the five-time champions CSK.
“What a night. Unbelievable and such a great atmosphere, such a pleasure to finish off the season at home with a win,” Du Plessis said in the post-match presentation.
“It's crazy, even when we weren't winning the fans were here. We in the changeroom we felt it was something we had to get right. Coming here tonight, it was set up nicely, CSK v RCB, unbelievable atmosphere and we as a team will do a lap of honour to thank the crowd for the support. It's really important that we enjoy this, great 6 games in a row and the first goal in the IPL is to get into the knockouts and we have done that, enjoy this but get back to work tomorrow,” he added.
RCB gear up for eliminator
Fans were seen burning firecrackers to celebrate their team’s qualification. RCB will now face either Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) or Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the eliminator clash on May 22 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
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