Faf Du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) notched a sensational win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a nail-biter to qualify for IPL 2024's playoffs, and their superstar batter Virat Kohli's post-match reaction mirrored the team's emotions. His words hinted at a sense of relief after securing a crucial victory, but also a glimmer of hope for their future in the playoffs. Kohli's comments acknowledged the role of both luck and the team's hard work in achieving this win. He recognised that while there may have been a bit of fortune on their side, it was ultimately the dedication and skill of his players that sealed the deal.
We were pretty honest our hard work and we got the rewards: Virat Kohli
"God has got a plan but we have to be honest with what we are doing and I think we were pretty honest our hard work and we got the rewards," said Kohli on RCB bold diaries.
RCB stage dramatic comeback to secure playoff berth
In a heart-stopping match, RCB defeated the defending champions CSK by 27 runs. This crucial victory secured them the final playoff spot in the IPL 2024 on the basis of superior net run rate. RCB joined KKR, RR and SRH in the playoffs who will battle against each other for the ultimate glory.
This accomplishment is even more impressive considering RCB's earlier struggles. The team had to claw their way back from the bottom of the table, stringing together a remarkable six consecutive wins to qualify for the playoffs in the final stretch.
Dramatic night at Chinnaswamy
Saturday night in Bengaluru was a rollercoaster of emotions. Virat Kohli's tearful eyes spoke volumes of the immense pressure and ultimate relief of securing the final playoff spot for RCB. Faf du Plessis, the captain, exuded pure joy after their nail-biting victory. In stark contrast, MS Dhoni, the CSK leader, was noticeably absent after the match, reflecting the team's disappointment at being knocked out.
This win wasn't unfamiliar territory for RCB. It mirrored last year's situation, where they needed a win in the final league match at the same venue. Back then, Kohli's century went in vain, overshadowed by a counter-attack from Shubman Gill that sealed CSK's victory. This year, however, RCB managed to rewrite the narrative, emerging victorious and pushing their rivals out of the playoffs.
Meanwhile RCB captain Faf Du Plessis hailed team's phenomenal effort after knocking out CSK from playoff race.
"What a night. Unbelievable and such a great atmosphere, such a pleasure to finish off the season at home with a win. Batting first, I think it was the hardest pitch I have ever played on in T20s," du Plessis said after the game. We were defending 175, it got a bit close, at one stage, with MS there, I thought, oh dear, he has done it so many times. The way we bowled with the wet ball was unbelievable, we tried to change it. I dedicate this Man of the Match to Yash Dayal. The way he bowled was unbelievable," Du Plessis said at 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 vs 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 concluded.
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