Royal Challengers Bengaluru did the impossible as they won their sixth game on the trot to qualify for the IPL Playoffs. The high-octane RCB vs CSK clash, the result of which was crucial for both sides to make it to the top four, lived up to its expectations. While it broke the hearts of millions who wanted to see MS Dhoni out in the middle for at least one more time, it certainly brightened the mood of RCB fans who eagerly awaited their team’s qualification to the playoffs.
As RCB inch one step closer to their dream of ending a trophy drought, one man who must be credited for their progress would be Virat Kohli. And not to forget, the team’s bowling line-up, which has delivered despite being the most criticized order in IPL 2024. As for CSK, sadly, fans might never get to see MS Dhoni play again. Nor will they see the team lift a record sixth title before the mega auctions. On that note, let’s take a look at the top headlines from Saturday.
RCB do the unthinkable
RCB needed to defeat CSK by 18 runs or more in order to make it to the playoffs and Yash Dayal held his nerves to bowl a stunning last-over that saw his team across the line. Despite rain halting the game briefly after the start of the game, RCB managed to capitalize as they dominated the CSK bowlers to register a mammoth 217-run total.
A 110m monster and then disappointment
It looked like Thala MS Dhoni would do it once again for CSK. Especially when CSK needed 17 off 6 deliveries to qualify for the playoffs. And MSD did do what he is best at, but in just one delivery. He smoked a gigantic 110 m six that landed on the roof the Chinnaswamy stadium, petrifying RCB fans. Much to their relief, he was dismissed the veery next delivery. Mahi’s walk back to the pavilion might be his last-ever in IPL. But like always, who knows what would be legend’s next step?
What RCB’s win means for Virat Kohli
RCB star Virat Kohli couldn’t hold back his emotions as the team staged an epic comeback to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. The batting maestro was seen breaking down as Yash Dayal completed a brilliant final over that saw the team clinching a 27-run victory over CSK.
Where is Shikhar Dhawan?
Jitesh Sharma will lead the Punjab Kings in their final game in IPL 2024 against SRH on Sunday. Sharma will take over the reins from stand-in skipper Sam Curran who has returned home to prepare for the series against Pakistan and the T20 World Cup. Further, the return of Shikhar Dhawan – who has been on the sidelines since April – will not be making a comeback and might have already played his last game for the side potentially.
King opposes Impact player rule
The ‘Impact Player’ rule, a new experiment in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has come under fire from another batting legend. Virat Kohli has echoed his India captain Rohit Sharma’s concerns, raising questions about the rule’s impact on the game’s overall balance.
Catch of the season!
The Chennai Super Kings were still very much in the game, needing 71 runs from 31 balls. But the RCB skipper had other ideas. Stationed at mid-off, Faf decided to take matters into his own hands. The South African jumped and plucked the ball out of thin air, despite being completely out of balance.
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