Captain Faf du Plessis was happy with RCB’s dream run to the playoffs as he reflected on the team’s journey following their painful defeat to RR in the IPL 2024 Eliminator in Ahmedabad. RCB lost to RR by four wickets in a closely contested encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, May 22, knocking them out of the IPL 2024 playoffs.
The game swung like a pendulum in the second inning, with RR chasing a 179-run goal with six balls to spare. Despite RCB being tipped as favorites with momentum on their side, RR changed the tide.
Du Plessis, while speaking to the sportscasters, noted the team’s inability to go beyond the 200-run barrier, which cost them the match.
“With the dew on the bat, we feared we were falling short. It required a few more runs to make it competitive.
Congratulations to the boys for fighting it out.
When assessed organically, the pitch appeared to be 180-pitch. But we discovered this season that with one additional batter and extended lineups, it can be difficult. We knew we had to score more to challenge them,” Du Plessis stated.
The RCB batted first, and the RR bowlers dominated the hitters. RCB was unable to form any strong partnerships throughout the innings and finished with a total of 178 runs, which was below par. After a good start, RR faltered in the chase midway through the innings, being reduced to 112 for 4. However, Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer’s 45-run stand guaranteed RR’s victory.
Du Plessis was pleased with how RCB orchestrated a stunning recovery despite losing seven of their first eight matches. “A lot of teams’ wheels would have fallen off after one out of nine.” But we made sure to give our all, and coming back like that—six games in a row—requires a lot of courage. We weren’t really impressive tonight in terms of pushing for extra runs.”
RCB beat the odds to finish in the top four, thanks to an incredible run of revival. They had won their previous six matches before playing the eliminator match.
