The players of Royal Challengers Bengaluru are grappling with emotions. While they have ample cause for pride, there’s also a profound sense of devastation. Amidst their journey in IPL 2024, where they initially found themselves at the bottom of the points table, they orchestrated a stunning resurgence. Winning six consecutive matches, each with commanding performances, they clinched a playoff spot as the fourth-ranked team. However, their hopes were dashed as they faced defeat against the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator on Wednesday.
RCB posted a total of 172/8 after RR elected to bowl. Rajat Patidar emerged as the top scorer with 34 runs off 22 deliveries, including two boundaries and two sixes. Virat Kohli contributed 33 runs off 24 balls, featuring three fours and a six, while Mahipal Lomror added 32 runs off 17 deliveries, but none managed to convert their starts into substantial scores. Avesh Khan from RR claimed 3 wickets for 44 runs, but the pivotal moment came from the off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who delivered a game-changing spell, finishing with remarkable figures of 2/19 runs. New Zealand’s pacer Trent Boult chipped in with 1 wicket for 16 runs.
RCB opted to bat and managed 172/8. Rajat Patidar scored 34 off 22 balls with two fours and two sixes. Virat Kohli made 33 off 24 balls, including three fours and a six, while Mahipal Lomror contributed 32 off 17 balls. However, none could convert their starts into big scores. Avesh Khan took 3 wickets for 44 runs for RR, but the game-changer was off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who returned with remarkable figures of 2/19. Trent Boult, the New Zealand pacer, secured 1 wicket for 16 runs.
Heartbreaking scenes inside RCB dressing room after RR knock them out of IPL 2024
After losing, RR moved on to face the Sunrisers in the second Qualifier, while RCB had to deal with the disappointment. The day following their defeat, RCB shared a video on social media showing scenes from the dressing room. The three-minute, 33-second clip begins with Glenn Maxwell hitting the door in frustration. Virat Kohli is seen playing with his phone, while the other RCB players appear disheartened.
The video also shows Kohli looking downcast in the dugout right after the loss. He said, “To be honest, the first part of the season wasn’t great for us. We didn’t play up to our standards as cricketers. But then we started playing with more confidence, aiming to regain our self-respect. We turned things around and made it to the playoffs, which was really special. It required a lot of determination and heart from the team, something I’ll always remember and appreciate.
He also expressed gratitude to the fans for their immense support throughout India.
Captain Faf du Plessis noted that the team’s performance in the last six matches was remarkable in turning things around. However, in the eliminator, they fell short by approximately 15 runs.
“The first innings presented challenges; the ball was swinging, and the pitch was a bit sluggish,” he commented.
Reflecting on the unwavering support from the fans, even during the team’s tough times halfway through the season, Faf remarked, “We were struggling at the halfway mark. Yet, the fans were there for us at every match, in every stadium. Their chants fueled our momentum. We’re incredibly thankful for that. It’s disappointing not to make it to the finals. But considering where we started and where we ended, I’m truly proud of the team.”
Summing up the season, Dinesh, who is likely in his final IPL season, expressed the team’s belief that this could have been their year to lift the trophy due to their turnaround. However, the “tough day” they feared turned out to be the eliminator. He also noted that dew in the second innings made batting easier.
“In sports, there’s rarely a fairy-tale ending. There’s always a tough day when things don’t go your way. That was our day. As it often happens in evening games, dew set in, making batting easier. But still, we should take pride in the fight we showed. That’s all we can ask for. Attitude counts. Believing in achieving something remarkable counts. RCB had a truly remarkable season on both fronts. It’s a season many will admire and say, ‘Wow, great effort.’ We’re proud of ourselves, and I hope our fans are proud of us too for what we’ve accomplished this year,” said Dinesh.