Six losses in the first seven games had relegated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to the bottom of the points table. Many had written off their chances of making it to the top four. The prospects appeared grim, with barely three weeks remaining for the league stage to conclude. Yet, what followed was an extraordinary comeback narrative in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Victory after victory, RCB clawed their way back into contention and finally secured a playoff spot.
Saturday’s triumph against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) delivered a jubilant moment for RCB fans. So, what was the alchemy behind their resurgence? How did the Royal Challengers champion the losses and doubts cast their way?
The turnaround demanded magic, but RCB was poised against formidable magicians like the Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team known for dismantling bowling line-ups effortlessly. RCB’s bowling had been underwhelming in the early stages, allowing little margin for error lest their playoff dreams would remain just dreams.
Virat Kohli, often viewed as the team’s lone ranger, was undeniably pivotal in this turnaround, yet he was not alone in this magic act. Kohli has had his share of critics, particularly regarding his strike rate post-powerplay, especially against spinners. However, he silenced many of them with his performance. Initially striking at 123.57 against spin in the first nine games, Kohli shifted gears dramatically, striking at 167.69 in the next four before the CSK showdown. His newly refined slog sweep became a critical weapon in his arsenal, brought out with tactical precision.
But cricket is a team sport, and RCB’s resurgence was a collective endeavor, with significant contributions from Rajat Patidar and Will Jacks. Patidar was indispensable during the six-game winning streak. He scored over fifty in three out of his five innings during this period. Playing an aggressive yet composed style, Patidar systematically dismantled spinners, providing a much-needed respite to Kohli and the rest of the roster. He amassed 194 runs against spin bowlers at an astonishing average of 97 and a strike rate of 210.86, making him the second-fastest scorer against spin in the tournament, surpassed only by Abhishek Sharma. Spin specialist Swapnil Singh also played a crucial role, stifling opposing teams effectively.
Will Jacks added further firepower to the team’s batting lineup. His 102-run partnership with Patidar off just 48 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was crucial. Although RCB narrowly lost that match by a single run, the partnership instilled a burgeoning belief of batting prowess within the team.
The win against Sunrisers Hyderabad was particularly monumental. RCB then obliterated Gujarat Titans (GT) with a record-setting chase of a 200-plus target, led by Jacks’ scintillating 100 off just 41 balls. Momentum started building, but more was required to secure their playoff spot.
In their reverse fixture against Gujarat Titans, RCB clinched victory thanks to stellar bowling from Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, and Vijaykumar Vyshak. The trio cumulatively scalped six wickets for a meager 73 runs in 11.3 overs, putting RCB in a commanding position.
The subsequent match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) saw Kohli return to form with a spectacular 47-ball 92, while Patidar continued his heroics with a quickfire 55 off 23 balls. With soaring confidence, RCB hardly lifted their foot off the pedal, overcoming a Rishabh Pant-less Delhi Capitals next.
Then came the final match against CSK—a virtual knockout in every sense. The batsmen embraced an all-out aggressive approach, setting a challenging total of 218 runs. CSK found themselves in early trouble and struggled to recover, ultimately succumbing to a 27-run defeat. The bowlers held their nerve admirably, with Yash Dayal defending 17 runs in the final over needed by CSK to qualify.
This victory secured RCB’s passage to the playoffs, a feat that had seemed improbable just three weeks earlier. RCB’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of collective effort. What seemed an unattainable dream became a reality, as they got the coveted ‘Q’ against their name, signifying their rightful place in the playoffs.
