Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have staged a remarkable comeback in the ongoing IPL 2024 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals (RR), thanks to a sensational fielding effort by Virat Kohli at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The turning point came when former India skipper Kohli, in tandem with Cameron Green, orchestrated the run-out of Dhruv Jurel, crucially disrupting RR’s chase of 173 runs.
RR had a strong start and were well-positioned at 81 for 1 in the tenth over. However, Green’s dismissal of the well-set Yashasvi Jaiswal for 45 provided RCB with a much-needed breakthrough. Just five runs later, Karn Sharma struck again, this time taking the prized wicket of RR captain Sanju Samson, reducing them to 86 for 3.
Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel then steadied the innings, taking the score past the 100-run mark. Both batsmen appeared to have the situation under control until Kohli’s brilliance turned the game around. The pivotal moment came on the first ball of the 14th over. Kohli’s exceptional fielding skills led to Jurel’s run-out, ending his 26-run partnership with Parag.
WATCH – Sanju Samson Scolds Yashasvi Jaiswal For Fielding Blunder in IPL 2024 Eliminator
The wicketkeeper-batsman was attempting to complete a second run, a move that seemed feasible until Kohli intervened. Positioned at deep square leg, Kohli sprinted to his left to collect Parag’s pull shot off Green’s delivery. Demonstrating his trademark athleticism, Kohli unleashed a powerful throw to the non-striker’s end, where Green swiftly removed the bails, catching Jurel short of his ground.
Dhruv Jurel’s casual approach to the second run proved costly, highlighting the perils of underestimating Kohli’s prowess in the field.
Virat Kohli 🫡#RRvRCB #IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL #TATAIPLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/2xpGjC6YTn
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 22, 2024
At the time of this report, RR were 143 for 4 after 16 overs, needing 30 more runs from the final four overs to secure a spot in the second qualifier. The match remains finely poised, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for a chance to progress further in the tournament.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis(c), Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik(w), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
