Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) required a stroke of luck during their intense IPL 2024 clash with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday night as their playoff hopes hung in the balance. Their prayers were answered when MS Dhoni launched a hip-high full toss from Yash Dayal for a massive six at the start of the 20th over. CSK needed 17 runs to ensure their net run rate remained higher than RCB’s, securing their playoff spot even if they lost.
The ball landed on the stadium’s roof, necessitating a replacement. The new ball, described as much ‘better to bowl with,’ allowed Dayal to contain CSK to just one more run in the over. This over also saw the crucial wicket of Dhoni. As a result, RCB not only defeated CSK but did so by a margin sufficient to qualify for the playoffs based on a superior net run rate, despite being level on points with their rivals.
WATCH – MS Dhoni Dejected After CSK Loss, Skips Handshakes – Retirement Rumors Swirl
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Dinesh Karthik humorously remarked during his dressing room speech, “I thought the best thing to happen today was Dhoni hitting that six outside the ground.” He continued, “We got a new ball, which was much better to bowl with. And… Yes. Yash, that was good bowling. Always bowl a high, hip-high, full-toss, on-leg stump when the ball is wet. It’s a good mantra to follow.”
Eloquent, Cheeky and Funny: DK’s Dressing Room Masterclass 🤩
“We have within our grasp, to do something, where people will remember us for many many decades. They’ll say wow, that RCB team was special.” ❤️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2024 #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/nmcuz1JeQB
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 19, 2024
Dinesh Karthik then highlighted RCB’s preparedness for this marquee clash with CSK, emphasizing the significance of the game with a playoff spot at stake.
“We all know how proud our franchise is and how much our fans mean to us. I think we gave them a treat to watch tonight. You’ve got to understand the gravity of this game. The CSK-RCB rivalry has been one of the most marquee games of this tournament for many years. There have been many close games, but CSK has often found a way to edge ahead of us,” Dinesh Karthik said.
ALSO READ: ‘God’s plan baby’ – Rinku Singh congratulates Yash Dayal after his stunning show
He added, “Today, the way we played, coming into this game, there was a quiet sense of confidence about us facing the defending champions. The way we performed, we should be really proud of ourselves right up to the last ball.”
This victory not only showcased RCB’s resilience and strategic prowess but also thrilled their loyal fans, reinforcing their legacy in one of the IPL’s most storied rivalries.
