RCB did not have a dreamy start to their 2024 IPL campaign. In the opening game of TaTa IPL Royal Challengers, Bengaluru lost to the Chennai Super Kings’ defending champions. However, Kolhi and the company didn’t disappoint their fans on their home ground. Moreover, Punjab Kings took home a defeat after winning their opening game against Delhi Capitals.
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The IPL trophy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru is the most desirable item for RCB fans. It’s been over sixteen years since the IPL began, and three teams from the inaugural season still have yet to taste a win at the Finals. Although Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings have also never won the coveted trophy, it is the RCB that creates all the buzz about not winning the championship. Interestingly, RCB reached the Finals on 3 different occasions but could never cross the final line.
RCB Bounce Back after a Shaky Start
Royal Challengers Bengaluru bounced back to winning ways, all thanks to their poster boy, Virat Kohli. RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first. Punjab’s batting first didn’t have a good start, as they lost Jhony Bairstow early for a mere 8 runs. However, Captain Shikhar Dhawan and Prabsimran Singh balanced out the early loss and put up a partnership of 55 runs for the second wicket.
RCB bounced back with a quick series of wickets, putting Punjab Kings struggling in the middle overs at 98 for 4. However, Sam Curran took charge and took Punjab Kings to a respectable score of 150. Interestingly, the cameo came to an end, all thanks to Yash Dayal and Anuj Rawat dou. Curran edged straight into Rawat’s gloves.
As the first innings neared its end, Punjab Kings were able to post a fighting total of 176 for the loss of six wickets. Who would have thought a wrong buy at the auction would add 19 runs in the final over of the innings, courtesy of Shashank Singh?
Virat Kohli a Treat to watch
Batting second, RCB lost an early wicket, and Du Plessis returned with just three runs in his kitty. Du Plessis got caught at mid-wicket on the bowling of Rabada. Following in the footsteps of captain Camron Green, batting at number went back to the pavilions with 3 runs only. However, Kohli and Pattidar tried to stabilize the innings by building a steady partnership of 43 runs for the third wicket. In the meantime, Virat Kohli went past the 50 runs mark and approached a bigger individual milestone of 100 50s in T20 cricket.
While Virat Kohli held his wicket at one end, players rushed to the dressing room on the other side. Pattidar scored only 18 runs, and Glen Maxwell’s flop show also continued in the second game. The World Cup-winning hero was dismissed for three runs. Previous game hero Anuj Rawat could not perform well in the second game as he returned with eleven runs to his name. Interestingly, RCB was back in the struggle to find the rhythm, and to add salt to injury, Virat Kohli fell short at third man and gave his wicket to ex-rcbian Harshal Patel.
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As things looked dicey, Dinesh Karthik came to the rescue of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Karthik displayed his vintage performance, scoring 28 runs off 10 balls, hitting 2 sixes and 3 fours. Evidently, this cameo from DK was enough to hand RCB their first win of the season. Moreover, Virat Kohli was declared as the Man of the Match for his scintillating knock of 77 runs of 49 balls, with two 6’s and eleven 4’s.
RCB will play KKR on 29 March at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. On the other hand, Punjab will face Lucknow Super Giants on 30 March at Ekana Sports City, Lucknow.
