Earlier reports claimed security threat to Virat Kohli led to RCB canceling their practice session.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) surprisingly opted to skip their only practice session in Ahmedabad ahead of their Eliminator of IPL 2024 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 22. This led to speculations amongst cricketing circles as reasons for RCB to do so.
Earlier, it was reported by Anandabazar Patrika that RCB opted to cancel their practice session after they were informed by Gujarat police that four terrorists were caught by them at Ahmedabad airport and the franchise feared a security threat to Virat Kohli.
However, India Today has now reported the real reason why RCB canceled their practice session.
Sources told the website that RCB delayed their practice session due to excessive heat in the afternoon and wanted to hold a delayed practice session. They were told that the floodlights could only be available till 6:30 in the evening, after which the team canceled their session on Wednesday, 22 May.
"They changed the time initially it was for 2-5 they asked for 4-6 we Said till 6:30 flood lights were available which is permissible that is not an issue but the weather was 45+ so they decided not to do the practice just for the sake of the players so that there will be no health issues. There was no issue related to any security threat.
We also gave them the option of giving indoor practice arena but they said they will skip the session due to heat," a top source told India Today.
From the brink of getting knocked out, RCB has won 6 games in a row to stage an incredible comeback in the tournament. They defeated CSK by 27 runs in Bengaluru to qualify for the Eliminator.