Virat Kohli experienced a rollercoaster of emotions on Sunday as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were eliminated from the IPL 2023 playoffs race, despite him scoring a 61-ball century.
After enduring a rain delay, RCB managed to post a challenging total of 197-5 on the scoreboard. However, their efforts fell short as Gujarat Titans (GT) successfully chased the target in 19.1 overs with six wickets in hand, resulting in RCB’s exit from the tournament.
After the match, Kohli, despite being disappointed with the result, displayed sportsmanship and camaraderie. He walked up to Shubman Gill and embraced him, acknowledging his pivotal role in the masterful chase. Kohli’s gesture exemplified his respect for the game and his opponents.
Obviously as a sportsman Kohli sees the positive side of it and the scum that claim to be fans are abusing pic.twitter.com/DcJUMCud4R
— Dr. Gajala – PhD, Civilizational Confidence (@Hramblings) May 21, 2023
Kohli also led RCB’s lap of honour at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, expressing gratitude towards the enthusiastic crowd that had turned out in large numbers to support the home team.
With RCB’s defeat, Mumbai Indians (MI) went to the playoffs as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the afternoon game. MI reached a total of 16 points, leaving RCB hoping for a different outcome in the last game of the league stage.
Next up, the Mumbai Paltan is now set to embark on a journey to Chennai for their upcoming clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to be held on May 24. The stakes are high as the victorious team will advance to Qualifier 2, while the losing side will pack its bag and go home.