Virat Kohli credited Royal Challengers Bengaluru's remarkable resurgence for their six consecutive victories, securing them a spot in the IPL 2024 Eliminator, despite suffering a setback against Rajasthan Royals. The team, initially struggling with seven losses in their first eight games, turned the tide with an impressive winning streak, culminating in a thrilling victory against Chennai Super Kings in the last league fixture, ensuring a playoff berth and a showdown against Rajasthan.
"We started expressing ourselves, started to play for our self-respect and then the confidence came back," Kohli shared in a candid conversation with teammates following the defeat to RR in Ahmedabad.
Reflecting on their journey, Kohli expressed profound gratitude, highlighting the collective character and determination displayed by each member of the team. "The way we turned things around and qualified (for playoffs) was truly special, something that I will always, always cherish and remember, because it took a lot of character from each member of this team, something that we can be really proud of. And eventually we played the way we wanted to play," Kohli emphasized.
In the Eliminator, RCB set a modest target of 172/8, which Rajasthan Royals chased down in 19 overs, losing six wickets in the process. Faf du Plessis, who assumed captaincy from Kohli two seasons ago, expressed disappointment at falling short after such a remarkable comeback, expressing aspirations to achieve greater heights.
"The last six games have been really special given the way we turned it around. When you do something that special, your hopes are to do something even more special," remarked Du Plessis.
"We were extremely down halfway through the season. And once we got the momentum, we just ran with that.
"Sad that we as a group can't get those final two steps to get to the trophy. But if I look back on the season, from where we were, to where we finished, I am very proud of the boys," Du Plessis concluded.
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