IPL 2024: Aakash Chopra lauds RCB after qualifying for playoffs
Bengaluru franchise defeated Chennai Super Kings in one of the best matches of the season
Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra lauded Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after they qualified for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs following a remarkable win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
RCB had a poor start to their IPL 2024 campaign as they lost seven out of the first eight matches and were on the verge of becoming the first team to exit the tournament. But their six-match winning streak propelled them to the playoffs.
Talking on his YouTube channel, Chopra gave RCB the nickname of “Royal Comeback Bengaluru” after their impressive win streak.
"What a game, what a season. Such comebacks are also possible. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru did an incredible job — Royal Comeback Bengaluru. They changed their name this year and have changed their deeds. The start was not that good. It seemed like they wouldn't be able to go anywhere. Take a bow," Chopra said on YouTube.
He also praised Yash Dayal, who despite conceding a six on the first ball of the last over, bowled with precision and only conceded one run in the last four balls of the innings.
"Fantastic, whether it was Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis or Yash Dayal. Remember, there was a night when 29 runs were scored in the last over, five sixes, and today was a night where despite being hit off the first ball, he didn't even concede 11 runs off the next five balls. They have reached the playoffs after a disastrous start to the tournament," Chopra observed.
Remember, RCB finished the round stage with 14 points and will now play Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals or Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders have been booked to play Qualifier 1 after they bagged 19 points in the 13 games.
RR and SRH will battle for the Qualifier 1 spot on the last day of the league stage. SRH are scheduled to play Punjab Kings in the opening fixture of the day while RR play KKR later in the night.
If SRH win, they will hope RR to lose but if they can’t beat PBKS, Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan will play KKR in Qualifier 1 on May 21.
IPL 2024 Playoffs Schedule
May 21: Qualifier 1 — Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals/Sunrisers Hyderabad @ Ahmedabad
May 22: Eliminator — Rajasthan Royals/Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru @ Ahmedabad
May 24: Qualifier 2 — Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator @ Chennai
May 26: Final — Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 @ Chennai
Comments