Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were knocked out of the IPL 2024 after they lost the Eliminator match to Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Wednesday in Ahmedabad. This brought an end to an inspiring run by the Bengaluru-based franchise.
RCB had started their IPL 2024 losing 7 out of their first 8 matches and were languishing at the bottom of the points table. However, they won the remaining of their six games on a trot and qualified for the playoffs by defeating CSK in their final league match in Bengaluru.
However, the 17-year-old long wait for the trophy continues after the loss to RR. Nonetheless, the team's performance this season has won a lot of acclaim from fans, experts, and players alike.
RCB shared the dejected scenes in the dressing room after the loss to RR in a video on X.
Virat said that the first half of the season was an under-par performance from the franchise and they were not able to live up to their standards as cricketers. But he will cherish and remember the way his team bounced back from adversity.
"To be really honest, the first half of the season was a really under-par performance from us. The standards that we have as cricketers, we were not able to live up to them. Then we started expressing ourselves and played for our own self-respect. Our confidence came back. The way turned things around and qualified was truly special. It is something I will cherish and remember because it took a lot of character and heart from the boys," Kohli said.
He also thanked the fans for supporting the team and turning up in huge numbers all over India.
Skipper Faf said that the last six games were special for the way RCB turned things around but in the eliminator, they fell short by around 15 runs.
Faf said: "The first innings was tricky, the ball was moving around and it was a bit slow. We were down halfway through the season. But still the fans, every match, every stadium. We could hear the chants. Once we got that momentum, we ran with it. We are extremely grateful for it. Sad we cannot reach the finals. But from where we were and where we finished, I am really proud of the boys."
Summarising the team's season, Dinesh, who is likely playing his last-ever IPL season, said that the team felt that this could very well be the year when they lift the trophy because of the way they turned things around.
"With sports, there is no fairytale ending. There is always a hard day when things do not go your way. It was that day. As it is in the evening games, dew came and it became easy to bat on. But still, we should be proud of the fight we put up. That is all we can ask for. Attitude matters. The belief in wanting to do something special matters. On both counts, RCB had a really special season. A season where a lot of people will look at and say 'Wow, good effort'. We are proud of ourselves and I also hope fans are also proud of us for what we have done this year," said Dinesh.
Here is the video:
