How RCB made it to IPL 2024 playoffs: Rewinding the highs and lows
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted a remarkable turnaround to make it to the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. The Faf du Plessis-led side were languishing at the bottom of the table at the halfway mark, and since then they have racked up six wins in a row to finish fourth in the standings.
A lot of factors have contributed to RCB's late resurgence in the league. Virat Kohli's consistency in terms of run-scoring and aggression, coupled with Rajat Patidar and Mohammed Siraj's improvement in form are only some of the aspects responsible for the recent success.
All of their work has paid off as they have set up an Eliminator clash against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, May 22.
On that note, let us take a look at how RCB made it to the 2024 IPL playoffs in an unforgettable campaign.
#1 RCB concede the highest score in the competition's history
RCB's bowling unit was under scrutiny even before they had bowled a single delivery in the tournament. The relentless criticism only flared up when RCB ended up conceding 287 runs against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
RCB bowlers put in a hapless display as they were dispatched to all corners of the ground. The decision to drop their spearhead Mohammed Siraj was deemed puzzling, as each of the six bowling options ended up with an economy of more than 10.
It was a low moment for the franchise, but they made amends to an extent by putting up an excellent fightback by scoring one of their highest scores in 262/7.
#2 Thriller at Eden results in the sixth defeat in a row
RCB had strung together five defeats in a row before coming to the lair of the high-flying Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Once again, the bowling attack could not handle the opposition's aggression and ended up conceding 222 runs.
Already defeated by KKR in the reverse fixture, RCB needed to put in a historic shift to chase down the mammoth score. However, their run chase started off with Virat Kohli's controversial dismissal by Harshit Rana.
RCB staged a fightback courtesy of Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar but were left to do too much at the back end of the innings. The side was propelled by an unlikely source in Karn Sharma in the final over against Mitchell Starc but ended up falling short by one run. This marks the last time RCB tasted defeat in the league stage of the 2024 IPL.
#3 RCB make a statement by defying SRH on enemy turf
With nothing to lose, RCB went into the clash against SRH and put in their best performance of the season up until that point. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar's fifties coupled with cameos by Cameron Green and Dinesh Karthik took them past the 200-run mark.
With the scars of '287' yet to be healed, RCB's job was only half done despite posting an imperious score. Handing Will Jacks the first over against the left-handed opening duo turned out to be a masterstroke as he struck with Head's wicket straightaway.
RCB's bowlers performed like a unit for the first time in the competition, and it unsurprisingly crumbled down SRH's dangerous batting lineup. Yash Dayal, Cameron Green, debutant Swapnil Singh, and Karn Sharma were all among the wickets, helping RCB restrict SRH to 171/8. However, not many would have imagined that the win would be the start of something special.
#4 Annihilation of GT showed RCB have embraced the modern way
RCB bowlers continued their momentum from the SRH win to make easy work of the GT top rider. However, several feared that they returned to old habits as GT recovered through Sai Sudharsan and Shahrukh Khan to finish with 200 on the board.
GT bowlers did not know what struck them, especially in the latter half of the run hase as RCB's top order made a mockery of the run chase. Some of centurion Will Jacks' onslaught on Rashid Khan had even left Virat Kohli stunned at the other end.
The commanding batting display saw RCB chase down the total with four overs to spare, and this win might have been the biggest contributor in terms of belief. Not only did this win give RCB the first glimpse of the finish line, but it also spruced up the net run rate, which ended up being their savior.
#5 RCB spurred on with a clinical display against DC
Before it came to relying on other matches and setting up the final stretch clash, RCB had to beat the Delhi Capitals (DC) to remain alive in the competition. Even though DC were without Rishabh Pant for the contest, they were a side on the up, making a statement in the second half of the tournament, much like RCB.
RCB lost the plot with the bat after a brilliant platform, but it was their bowling that stepped up when it mattered the most. Yash Dayal picked up three wickets for just 20 runs, to end up as the pick of the bowlers.
RCB managed to add another piece to the puzzle after Cameron Green and Lockie Ferguson showcased what they are capable of offering with their tall frame and pace. The pair played a crucial role, ending with combined figures of 3-42 off eight overs.
#6 RCB stand up to CSK in a showdown for the ages
Instead of bowing out as usual, RCB defied their rivals on a night that Chinnaswamy will not forget so easily. The horrors of all the defeats in the 2011 final, Qualifier 2 in IPL 2015, and all the other close encounters were redeemed at least a little.
The virtual knockout contest also had the added element of net run rate. CSK's slightly superior net run rate meant that RCB had to ensure a win with at least 11 balls to spare or win by a margin of over 18 runs. If that was not enough, the added threat of rain playing spoilsport also hung over the minds of all.
RCB overcame some tricky conditions after being put into bat and punished the makeshift CSK bowling unit to post a mammoth 218 on the board, to set themselves up really well to complete the improbable.
RCB bowlers backed their batters with some good bowling, and the fielders also played a part. The well-settled Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube's departure certainly took the win out of CSK's hands, but they were still in the hunt for playoff qualification.
It all came down to the veteran duo of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, and while they have scripted some storied finishes over the course of their careers, it was not to be this time. Yash Dayal's composure under pressure in the final over helped RCB script one of the greatest wins in their history.