RCB complete incredible comeback to reach playoffs, end CSK’s title defence

RCB reiterated the unpredictability of sport as they continued their miraculous run, reaching the playoffs after stitiching a six-match-winning run.

In an incredible turn of events, Faf du Plessis-led side ended the Super Kings’ title defence, dominating their must-win IPL 2024 league game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18. Riding on an all-round batting display, led by Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, RCB posted 218 and successfully defended the target by 27 runs. In fact, RCB stopped CSK from getting 201, which was enough for the 5-time champions to sneak into the playoffs.

MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja did their best after CSK were reduced to 129 for 6 in 15 overs. The two senior pros added 61 runs in just 26 balls for the 7th wicket and brought down the equation to 17 runs in the last over. Yash Dayal was tasked with the responsibility of bowling the last over, and he delivered it in style under pressure, burying the ghosts of the 2023 season in which he was hit for five sixes in an over by Rinku Singh when playing for Gujarat.

MS Dhoni hit the first delivery of the final over for a six and RCB fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium were holding their breath as the CSK veteran was looking to seal the deal. However, Yash Dayal removed Dhoni with the next delivery and ensured RCB crossed the finish line. Ravindra Jadeja was in the middle when CSK needed 10 runs from the last two deliveries – much like the equation in the IPL 2023 final. While Jadeja was able to come up with a miraculous show in Ahmedabad, he failed to get the job done, thanks to Yash Dayal’s incredible composure under pressure.

RCB have won 6 on the trot as they have conjured an incredible late comeback. RCB had own only 1 out of their first 8 matches, but have become the first team to reach the playoffs with 14 points in a season with 14 points.

CSK have only themselves to blame as they needed to avoid a big defeat — get to 201. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who dropped a crucial catch of Cameron Green in the first innings, fell for 0 while Shivam Dube, one of their key batters, struggled to get going, managing just 7 off 15 balls. Rachin Ravindra was batting on 61 when he was run-out while ball watching. Dhoni and Jadeja’s late blitz was not enough as CSK fell well short of the target, 10 runs short of the qualification mark.

VIRAT KOHLI, FAF DU PLESSIS SPECIALS UNDER PRESSURE
Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis were in sublime form with the bat after Ruturaj Gaikwad won a rare and timely toss in their last league game. The toss was held on time despite high rain threat in the lead-up to the match. There was a shower before the toss, but the incredible drainage at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ensured the game started on time. Faf du Plessis did struggle to get going in the first over, but Virat Kohli continued to be aggressive in the powerplay.

In the third over of the contest, Virat Kohli hit Tushar Deshpande for a 98m-six, a monstrous hit that smashed into the roof of the stadium. Kohli kept the charge going, hitting another six as he set a new IPL record for the most runs in a venue — becoming the first man to score 3000 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

However, rain halted RCB’s charge as covers were called on after the 3rd over, sending the two openers and the CSK fielders rushing back to the pavilion. A 40-minute rain break followed, but the ground staff did their best to get the game on time before any over-reduction came into effect.

When the two openers came back to the middle, CSK used spin to good effect as the ball started to grip and turn prodigiously. However, Kohli showcased his class, putting the pressure back on RCB, taking the attack to the spinners with his new weapon slog sweeps.

Kohli hit 47 off 29 balls, smashing 4 sixes and 3 boundaries. It was a special knock as Kohli was playing fearless cricket, taking his sixes tally to 35, one fewer than leader of the season Nicholas Pooran.

Kohli and Du Plessis added 78 runs for the first wicket. However, Kohli was dismissed for 47, outfoxed by Mitchell Santner in the 10th over. Du Plessis kept the charge going, taking on the onus of scoring quick runs and allowing Rajat Patidar, who came in at No. 3 to settle down.

However, Faf du Plessis was dismissed in an unfortunate manner as Santner’s fingertips deflected a straight drive from Patidar onto the stumps, leaving the RCB captain short of the crease by the barest of margins. In fact, RCB dug-out, including Virat Kohli, was shocked to see the third umpire giving it out after multiple replays.

PATIDAR-GREEN STAND GAME CHANGER FOR RCB
RCB were 113 for 2 at the end of 13 overs when Du Plessis was dismissed. However, Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green kept the charge going, punishing the CSK bowlers in the middle-overs.

Green and Patidar added 71 runs in just 28 balls — a partnership that proved to be a game-changer for RCB. Handy cameo from Green, Patidar and Dinesh Karthik helped RCB push their total to 218.

On the other hand, it was in the middle-overs period in which CSK lost the game. Despite losing two wickets, including that of Ruturaj for 0, in the powerplay, CSK posted 58 for 2 in the first six overs. However, they managed just 71 runs in the next 9 overs, losing four overs in the process.

An off-day for big-hitting Shivam Dube, who managed just 7 off 15 balls, cost CSK the momentum min the middle-overs, leaving Dhoni and Jadeja a bit too much to do.

RCB, who are on a six-match winning streak, will play the Eliminator in Ahmedabad on Tuesday against either Rajasthan on Hyderabad on Wednesday, May 22.