Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis said that he was proud of the team for putting on a great show in the IPL 2022. The side lost by 7 wickets against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahemdabad on Friday (May 27), but the captain said his players could be proud of themselves after a successful season.
After losing the toss, RCB were put in to bat first. Opener Virat Kohli was dismissed early, and Faf couldn’t get going, managing 25 off 27 balls. But the 28-year-old Rajat Patidar who had scored a century against LSG in the previous match once again played a gem of an innings, scoring 58 off 42 balls.
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Despite Rajat’s knock, the team batting first could only manage 157/8 in 20 overs because of some great death over bowling by the Rajasthan bowlers.
Faf du Plessis said it was challenging to bat first and compared the conditions in the first 6 overs of a Test match.
"It was pretty challenging with the new ball, it moved around a bit. But we got through the first six without much damage. It felt like Test cricket in that first session. More bounce really. Still, we felt 180 was par," he told Star Sports.
"I am really proud otherwise. It has been a great season for RCB. My first season... to see how special the crowds have been for us," he added.
The 37-year-old also lauded Harshal Patel and Dinesh Karthik, who made a comeback to the Indian team after an outstanding season with the bat.
"Harshal, DK.. all the guys who are picked for India deserve it. I stand proud of the team even though we were not at our best tonight (Friday) and against a very strong Rajasthan Royals side
He also thanked the fans for their support, recalling that the players got emotional after hearing RCB chants in the MI v DC match at the Wankhede Stadium.
"There is some really nice young talent in our squad, and you have a three-year plan. That's what you look to maximize. You can see how good Rajat has been after he came in. Our fans have been the most obvious thing. You go to any game anywhere and you have RCB-RCB chanted. The guys were emotional when we heard the RCB chants even when playing Mumbai. So well done to our fans and thank you very much," Faf said.
The chasing team chased down the target with 7 wickets still in hand, owing to Jos Butler's blistering century (106 off 60 balls).
The Bangalore side had finished fourth on the points table at the end of the league stage.
The Sanju Samson-led side, with this win, has advanced to the finals where they will take on Gujarat Titans (GT).
(STAR SPORTS INPUTS)
