RCB skipper Faf du Plessis turned back the time on Sunday vs Mumbai Indians as he took a screamer of a catch in the match while back-tracking from mid-off.&nbsp;

Mumbai's Hrithik Shokeen was looking to accelerate the innings as he tried to take on Harshal Patel and hit the first ball of the seventeenth over in the air. du Plessis, however, showed great athleticism as he caught Shokeen to leave Mumbai seven down for 123. Have a look at the video here:

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What a Catch by Faf Du Plessis 😳😮 
(எல்லைச் சாமி Faf )<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/staraikelungal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#staraikelungal</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvMI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chinnaswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chinnaswamy</a> <a href="https://t.co/5WlxM8JyXT">pic.twitter.com/5WlxM8JyXT</a>
— Saravanan 🌍 (@saravanaDjoko59) <a href="https://twitter.com/saravanaDjoko59/status/1642553076384141314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first. The decision was proven right by RCB bowlers who brought MI down to 29/3 at the end of powerplay. The situation became worse after fearsome Suryakumar Yadav departed shortly for 15 with the team at 48. Nehal Wadhera (21 off 13) then joined the forces with Tilak Verma and the duo added 50 runs for the fifth wicket.

Three quick wickets of Wadhera, Tim David and Hrithik Shokeen then put brakes on MI's recovery but Verma had different plans. The 20-year-old southpaw took the charge as Mumbai added 48 runs in the last 17 balls to reach 171/7 in 20 overs. Verma remained unbeaten on 84 off 46, hitting nine fours and four sixes.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-openers-chahal-four-for-help-rajasthan-royals-rout-sunrisers-hyderabad-by-72-runs-578324">Openers, Chahal four-for help Rajasthan Royals rout Sunrisers Hyderabad by 72 runs</a>

For RCB, every bowler chipped in but spinner Karn Sharma took two wickets for 32 in four overs while Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Akash Deep, Harshal Patel, and Michael Bracewell took one wicket each.

During the chase, RCB were given flyer by openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis as the duo added 53 runs in just six overs.&nbsp;

In the first match of the day, Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 72 runs. Royals' top three batsmen Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Sanju Samson hit a 50 each as they scored 203/5 in 20 overs.

SRH couldn't get going after Trent Boult took two wickets in the first over and Yuzvendra Chahal then joined in with four wickets as SRH managed 131/8 in their 20 overs.

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RCB skipper Faf du Plessis turned back the time on Sunday vs Mumbai Indians as he took a screamer of a catch in the match while back-tracking from mid-off. Mumbai's Hrithik Shokeen was looking to accelerate the innings as he tried to take on Harshal Patel and hit the first ball of the seventeenth over in the air.

RCB skipper Faf du Plessis turned back the time on Sunday vs Mumbai Indians as he took a screamer of a catch in the match while back-tracking from mid-off. Mumbai's Hrithik Shokeen was looking to accelerate the innings as he tried to take on Harshal Patel and hit the first ball of the seventeenth over in the air. du Plessis, however, showed great athleticism as he caught Shokeen to leave Mumbai seven down for 123. Have a look at the video here: What a Catch by Faf Du Plessis 😳😮 (எல்லைச் சாமி Faf )#staraikelungal#RCBvMI #chinnaswamy pic.twitter.com/5WlxM8JyXT — Saravanan 🌍 (@saravanaDjoko59) April 2, 2023 × Earlier, RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first. The decision was proven right by RCB bowlers who brought MI down to 29/3 at the end of powerplay. The situation became worse after fearsome Suryakumar Yadav departed shortly for 15 with the team at 48. Nehal Wadhera (21 off 13) then joined the forces with Tilak Verma and the duo added 50 runs for the fifth wicket. Three quick wickets of Wadhera, Tim David and Hrithik Shokeen then put brakes on MI's recovery but Verma had different plans. The 20-year-old southpaw took the charge as Mumbai added 48 runs in the last 17 balls to reach 171/7 in 20 overs. Verma remained unbeaten on 84 off 46, hitting nine fours and four sixes. Also Read: Openers, Chahal four-for help Rajasthan Royals rout Sunrisers Hyderabad by 72 runs For RCB, every bowler chipped in but spinner Karn Sharma took two wickets for 32 in four overs while Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Akash Deep, Harshal Patel, and Michael Bracewell took one wicket each. During the chase, RCB were given flyer by openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis as the duo added 53 runs in just six overs. In the first match of the day, Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 72 runs. Royals' top three batsmen Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Sanju Samson hit a 50 each as they scored 203/5 in 20 overs. SRH couldn't get going after Trent Boult took two wickets in the first over and Yuzvendra Chahal then joined in with four wickets as SRH managed 131/8 in their 20 overs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: RCB's Faf du Plessis takes a SCREAMER to dismiss MI's Hrithik Shokeen - WATCH

After much hullabaloo, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is&nbsp;set to kick off on Friday evening (March 31). The opening game will see last year's winners Gujarat Titans (GT) take on the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The competition is once again expected to set the stage on fire as ardent cricket fans across the globe will be glued to their tv screens to watch the proceedings.

The upcoming season will see the addition of the Impact Player Rule, teams naming their playing XIs after the toss and mark the return of the traditional home-and-away format during the league stage. The group stage will comprise as many as 70 games which will be followed by the playoffs and the final.&nbsp;

After the IPL 2022 auction and in the run-up to the tournament, a lot has changed in terms of squad composition for all ten teams. For some franchises, new captains have also been named; due to unforseen circumstances for a few teams. Hence, here's an updated list of squads for all ten teams and their respective captains:

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-from-mumbai-indians-1408-to-gujarat-titans-79-most-sixes-hit-by-existing-teams-in-mega-event-577567">IPL 2023: From Mumbai Indians' 1,408 to Gujarat Titans' 79 - Most sixes hit by existing teams in mega event</a>

Chennai Super Kings&nbsp;

MS Dhoni (c), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chowdhary (injured, replaced by Akash Singh) Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Deepak Chahar, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sidhu, Kyle Jamieson (injured, replaced by Sisanda Magala), Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Verma

Captain: MS Dhoni 
He remains CSK's only permanent captain 
Has led them to four IPL titles

Delhi Capitals&nbsp;

David Warner (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ripal Patel, Rovman Powell, Sarfaraz Khan, Yash Dhull, Mitchell Marsh, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Lungi Ngidi, Mustafizur Rahman, Aman Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Praveen Dubey, Vicky Ostwal, Phil Salt, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Abhishek Porel (likely replacement for Rishabh Pant)

Captain: David Warner 
He has led SRH to the IPL championship in 2016 
He has replaced Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a road accident

Gujarat Titans&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya (c), Shubman Gill, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Kane Williamson, Odean Smith, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, Josh Little, Mohit Sharma

Captain: Hardik Pandya 
He led the last year's debutant to the championship and has won the IPL five times as well with the MI franchise.

Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer (expected to return in second-half), Nitish Rana (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, N Jadadeesan, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma, David Wiese, Kulwant Khejroliya, Litton Das, Mandeep Singh, Shakib Al Hasan

Captain: Nitish Rana 
Rana has led Delhi in the domestic circuit and has been named as the interim captain with regular skipper Shreyas Iyer expected to return in the latter half of the tournament.

Lucknow Super Giants&nbsp;

KL Rahul (c), Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, Jaydev Unadkat, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Swapnil Singh, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yudhvir Charak

Captain: KL Rahul 
Rahul led the Lucknow franchise to the playoffs last season; their debut edition. He has also served as India's stand-in captain across formats in the recent past.

Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma (c), Tim David, Ramandeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jofra Archer, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kartikeya, Hrithik Shokeen, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, Cameron Green, Jhye Richardson, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Raghav Goyal, Mohit Rathee

Captain: Rohit Sharma 
Rohit is IPL's most successful captain with as many as five titles (in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020)

Punjab Kings

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shahrukh Khan, Jonny Bairstow (injured, replaced by Matt Short), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh

Captain: Shikhar Dhawan 
Dhawan has led the SRH franchise in their debut season, in 2013. He took them to the playoffs and will hope to replicate the same this time around with the Punjab franshise.

Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa, Jason Holder, Donavon Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, M Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Joe Root

Captain: Sanju Samson 
Samson led RR to their first-ever final, since 2008, in the 2022 edition. He will hope to take them to the title this time around.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Will Jacks (injured, replaced by Michael Bracewell), Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, Avinash Singh, R Sonu Yadav

Captain: Faf du Plessis 
Plessis led RCB to the playoffs in his first season for the Bengaluru camp. He has also led the South African team to considerable success during his captaincy tenure.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram (c), Rahul Tripathi, Glenn Phillips, Abhishek Sharma, Marco Jansen, Washington Sundar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kartik Tyagi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Umran Malik, Harry Brook, Mayank Agarwal, Heinrich Klaasen, Adil Rashid, Mayank Markande, Vivrant Sharma, Samarth Vyas, Sanvir Singh, Upendra Yadav, Mayank Dagar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Anmolpreet Singh, Akeal Hosein

Captain: Aiden Markam 
Markram will hope to lead SRH to their first title since 2016. He led Sunrisers Eastern Cape -- also belonging to the Hyderabad franchise owners -- to the championship in the SA20 inaugural edition early this year. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead in his absence as he is on national duty during the first week of the IPL 2023 season.

After much hullabaloo, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is set to kick off on Friday evening (March 31). The opening game will see last year's winners Gujarat Titans (GT) take on the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad.

After much hullabaloo, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is set to kick off on Friday evening (March 31). The opening game will see last year's winners Gujarat Titans (GT) take on the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The competition is once again expected to set the stage on fire as ardent cricket fans across the globe will be glued to their tv screens to watch the proceedings. The upcoming season will see the addition of the Impact Player Rule, teams naming their playing XIs after the toss and mark the return of the traditional home-and-away format during the league stage. The group stage will comprise as many as 70 games which will be followed by the playoffs and the final. After the IPL 2022 auction and in the run-up to the tournament, a lot has changed in terms of squad composition for all ten teams. For some franchises, new captains have also been named; due to unforseen circumstances for a few teams. Hence, here's an updated list of squads for all ten teams and their respective captains: Also Read: IPL 2023: From Mumbai Indians' 1,408 to Gujarat Titans' 79 - Most sixes hit by existing teams in mega event Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni (c), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chowdhary (injured, replaced by Akash Singh) Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Deepak Chahar, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sidhu, Kyle Jamieson (injured, replaced by Sisanda Magala), Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Verma Captain: MS Dhoni He remains CSK's only permanent captain Has led them to four IPL titles Delhi Capitals David Warner (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ripal Patel, Rovman Powell, Sarfaraz Khan, Yash Dhull, Mitchell Marsh, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Lungi Ngidi, Mustafizur Rahman, Aman Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Praveen Dubey, Vicky Ostwal, Phil Salt, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Abhishek Porel (likely replacement for Rishabh Pant) Captain: David Warner He has led SRH to the IPL championship in 2016 He has replaced Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a road accident Gujarat Titans Hardik Pandya (c), Shubman Gill, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Kane Williamson, Odean Smith, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, Josh Little, Mohit Sharma Captain: Hardik Pandya He led the last year's debutant to the championship and has won the IPL five times as well with the MI franchise. Kolkata Knight Riders Shreyas Iyer (expected to return in second-half), Nitish Rana (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, N Jadadeesan, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma, David Wiese, Kulwant Khejroliya, Litton Das, Mandeep Singh, Shakib Al Hasan Captain: Nitish Rana Rana has led Delhi in the domestic circuit and has been named as the interim captain with regular skipper Shreyas Iyer expected to return in the latter half of the tournament. Lucknow Super Giants KL Rahul (c), Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, Jaydev Unadkat, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Swapnil Singh, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yudhvir Charak Captain: KL Rahul Rahul led the Lucknow franchise to the playoffs last season; their debut edition. He has also served as India's stand-in captain across formats in the recent past. Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma (c), Tim David, Ramandeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jofra Archer, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kartikeya, Hrithik Shokeen, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, Cameron Green, Jhye Richardson, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Raghav Goyal, Mohit Rathee Captain: Rohit Sharma Rohit is IPL's most successful captain with as many as five titles (in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020) Punjab Kings Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shahrukh Khan, Jonny Bairstow (injured, replaced by Matt Short), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh Captain: Shikhar Dhawan Dhawan has led the SRH franchise in their debut season, in 2013. He took them to the playoffs and will hope to replicate the same this time around with the Punjab franshise. Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa, Jason Holder, Donavon Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, M Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Joe Root Captain: Sanju Samson Samson led RR to their first-ever final, since 2008, in the 2022 edition. He will hope to take them to the title this time around. Royal Challengers Bangalore Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Will Jacks (injured, replaced by Michael Bracewell), Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, Avinash Singh, R Sonu Yadav Captain: Faf du Plessis Plessis led RCB to the playoffs in his first season for the Bengaluru camp. He has also led the South African team to considerable success during his captaincy tenure. Sunrisers Hyderabad Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram (c), Rahul Tripathi, Glenn Phillips, Abhishek Sharma, Marco Jansen, Washington Sundar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kartik Tyagi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Umran Malik, Harry Brook, Mayank Agarwal, Heinrich Klaasen, Adil Rashid, Mayank Markande, Vivrant Sharma, Samarth Vyas, Sanvir Singh, Upendra Yadav, Mayank Dagar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Anmolpreet Singh, Akeal Hosein Captain: Aiden Markam Markram will hope to lead SRH to their first title since 2016. He led Sunrisers Eastern Cape -- also belonging to the Hyderabad franchise owners -- to the championship in the SA20 inaugural edition early this year. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead in his absence as he is on national duty during the first week of the IPL 2023 season.

IPL 2023: Updated squads of all 10 teams and their captains

IPL 2023: 100-WIN CLUB! CSK, MI, RCB and two others feature in the elite list

Virat Kohli became the full-time Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain in IPL 2013. He served as the RCB skipper till IPL 2021. He had announced that he will step down as the captain at the halfway stage of&nbsp;IPL 2021, where RCB eventually bowed out in the Eliminator. Recently, the 34-year-old star player met with the Smriti Mandhana-led RCB camp to motivate them after their five-match winless run in Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 edition. During his pep talk, Kohli reflected on his RCB captaincy tenure and made a big claim.

Kohli was quoted as saying in RCB Bold Diaries, “When my captaincy tenure was coming to an end, I was left with no belief, to be very honest. I was gone. The tank was absolutely empty. But that was my own perspective. That was just me as an individual saying that ‘I have seen so much of this, I just can’t manage it, I just can’t handle it anymore."

He opined, "But the next season, new people came in, they had new ideas, there was another opportunity. They were excited. Maybe as an individual, I wasn’t that excited, but they created the energy and we reached the playoffs three years in a row. And now we start every season with the excitement that there was before. I feel excited now."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2023-virat-kohlis-pep-talk-with-smriti-mandhanas-rcb-goes-viral-ahead-of-their-first-win-watch-572524">WPL 2023: Virat Kohli's pep talk with Smriti Mandhana's RCB goes viral ahead of their first win - Watch</a>

Further, Kohli also recalled IPL 2019 when RCB lost their first six games and were reeling at the bottom. Although they put up a much-improved show from thereon, winning five of their last eight games, but still ended at the bottom in the overall standings.

Recalling that, Kohli said, "In 2019, we lost 6 matches in a row. I clearly remember after we lost the sixth game, we had a get-together in the evening. I walked in, I was the captain. I was completely gone. I couldn’t feel anything. I didn’t recognise myself and I was like I had no belief left whatsoever."

“When I walked into the post-match get together, the first person I saw was AB. He walked to me and we stood face to face and we were doing is like we had never lost six games in a row in our lives and we played 15 years of international cricket almost together,"&nbsp;he added.

Kohli talked about how players should give their 110 per cent in every game as that is all one can strive for as there is no guarantee of results. His words of wisdom surely helped Mandhana &amp; Co. as they earned their maiden win in WPL 2023, on Wednesday evening (March 15), beating Uttar Pradesh Warriorz (UPW) by five wickets.

Virat Kohli became the full-time Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain in IPL 2013. He served as the RCB skipper till IPL 2021. He had announced that he will step down as the captain at the halfway stage of IPL 2021, where RCB eventually bowed out in the Eliminator.

Virat Kohli became the full-time Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain in IPL 2013. He served as the RCB skipper till IPL 2021. He had announced that he will step down as the captain at the halfway stage of IPL 2021, where RCB eventually bowed out in the Eliminator. Recently, the 34-year-old star player met with the Smriti Mandhana-led RCB camp to motivate them after their five-match winless run in Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 edition. During his pep talk, Kohli reflected on his RCB captaincy tenure and made a big claim. Kohli was quoted as saying in RCB Bold Diaries, “When my captaincy tenure was coming to an end, I was left with no belief, to be very honest. I was gone. The tank was absolutely empty. But that was my own perspective. That was just me as an individual saying that ‘I have seen so much of this, I just can’t manage it, I just can’t handle it anymore." He opined, "But the next season, new people came in, they had new ideas, there was another opportunity. They were excited. Maybe as an individual, I wasn’t that excited, but they created the energy and we reached the playoffs three years in a row. And now we start every season with the excitement that there was before. I feel excited now." Also read: WPL 2023: Virat Kohli's pep talk with Smriti Mandhana's RCB goes viral ahead of their first win - Watch Further, Kohli also recalled IPL 2019 when RCB lost their first six games and were reeling at the bottom. Although they put up a much-improved show from thereon, winning five of their last eight games, but still ended at the bottom in the overall standings. Recalling that, Kohli said, "In 2019, we lost 6 matches in a row. I clearly remember after we lost the sixth game, we had a get-together in the evening. I walked in, I was the captain. I was completely gone. I couldn’t feel anything. I didn’t recognise myself and I was like I had no belief left whatsoever." “When I walked into the post-match get together, the first person I saw was AB. He walked to me and we stood face to face and we were doing is like we had never lost six games in a row in our lives and we played 15 years of international cricket almost together," he added. Kohli talked about how players should give their 110 per cent in every game as that is all one can strive for as there is no guarantee of results. His words of wisdom surely helped Mandhana & Co. as they earned their maiden win in WPL 2023, on Wednesday evening (March 15), beating Uttar Pradesh Warriorz (UPW) by five wickets.

When my captaincy tenure was coming to an end, I was left with no belief: RCB star Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma created history on Friday (February 10) during Day 2 of the first Test between India and Australia at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur. After India dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for 177, riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 47, they resumed the second day's play with an aim to take a big lead. While wickets fell at regular intervals, Rohit looked at his fluent best and reached a stunning hundred and achieved a big feat.

By slamming his 9th Test ton, Rohit became the first Indian captain -- fourth overall -- to score a hundred in all three formats. In the overall list, he joined the likes of Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan, South Africa's Faf du Plessis and Pakistan's Babar Azam.&nbsp;

Hundreds in all three formats as captain 
Tillakaratne Dilshan 
Faf du Plessis 
Babar Azam 
Rohit Sharma

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-couldve-scored-more-runs-with-harbhajan-on-indian-openers-failure-on-day-1-of-nagpur-test-560531">'KL Rahul could've scored more runs with...': Harbhajan on Indian opener's failure on Day 1 of Nagpur Test</a>

This is also Rohit's second successive ton at the highest level. He had slammed 101 in India-New Zealand third and final ODI in Indore on January 24. Overall, it is Hitman's 43rd international century; 12th overall. In addition, this is Rohit's maiden Test century as captain.&nbsp;

Rohit's inning has been a standout one by all means. On a pitch where other batters have struggled or failed to convert their starts, he has looked in full control from the word go. At tea break on Day 2, Rohit-Ravindra Jadeja (34*) have so far&nbsp;added 58&nbsp;runs for the sixth-wicket with India well-placed at 226 for 5; leading by 49 runs.

Rohit Sharma created history on Friday (February 10) during Day 2 of the first Test between India and Australia at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur. After India dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for 177, riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 47, they resumed the second day's play with an aim to take a big lead.

Rohit Sharma created history on Friday (February 10) during Day 2 of the first Test between India and Australia at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur. After India dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for 177, riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 47, they resumed the second day's play with an aim to take a big lead. While wickets fell at regular intervals, Rohit looked at his fluent best and reached a stunning hundred and achieved a big feat. By slamming his 9th Test ton, Rohit became the first Indian captain -- fourth overall -- to score a hundred in all three formats. In the overall list, he joined the likes of Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan, South Africa's Faf du Plessis and Pakistan's Babar Azam. Hundreds in all three formats as captain Tillakaratne Dilshan Faf du Plessis Babar Azam Rohit Sharma Also Read: 'KL Rahul could've scored more runs with...': Harbhajan on Indian opener's failure on Day 1 of Nagpur Test This is also Rohit's second successive ton at the highest level. He had slammed 101 in India-New Zealand third and final ODI in Indore on January 24. Overall, it is Hitman's 43rd international century; 12th overall. In addition, this is Rohit's maiden Test century as captain. Rohit's inning has been a standout one by all means. On a pitch where other batters have struggled or failed to convert their starts, he has looked in full control from the word go. At tea break on Day 2, Rohit-Ravindra Jadeja (34*) have so far added 58 runs for the sixth-wicket with India well-placed at 226 for 5; leading by 49 runs.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st Indian skipper to score a ton in all three formats during Nagpur Test

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have kept it simple while sharing their list of retained and released players ahead of the IPL 2023 mini auction, to be held later this year. The Faf du Plessis-led RCB line-up have released only one big name in the form of Jason&nbsp;Behrendorff, traded to the five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI), whereas they have managed to retain their core players who guided the side to the IPL 2022 playoffs.&nbsp;

The current squad comprises of skipper Faf, Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik whereas they have retained young and exciting talents in the form of Rajat Patidar (who scored a hundred in the IPL 2022 Eliminator), Shahbaz Ahmed, Finn Allen, Mahipal Lomror along with some experienced bowling options in Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, Md Siraj.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-ms-dhoni-led-csk-retain-ravindra-jadeja-release-dwayne-bravo-chris-jordan-534439">IPL 2023: MS Dhoni-led CSK retain Ravindra Jadeja, release Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan</a>

Players released:&nbsp;Jason Behrendorff, Aneeshwar Gautam, Chama Milind, Luvnith Sisodia, Sherfane Rutherford

Purse remaining: INR 87.5 million (INR&nbsp;8.75 crore)

Players acquired via trades: NA

Current squad:&nbsp;Faf du Plessis (capt), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep

Overseas slots remaining:&nbsp;2

With not wholesome changes to their squad ahead of the mini auction, it will be interesting to see who all are included in the RCB line-up before the start of the next year's edition.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have kept it simple while sharing their list of retained and released players ahead of the IPL 2023 mini auction, to be held later this year.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have kept it simple while sharing their list of retained and released players ahead of the IPL 2023 mini auction, to be held later this year. The Faf du Plessis-led RCB line-up have released only one big name in the form of Jason Behrendorff, traded to the five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI), whereas they have managed to retain their core players who guided the side to the IPL 2022 playoffs. The current squad comprises of skipper Faf, Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik whereas they have retained young and exciting talents in the form of Rajat Patidar (who scored a hundred in the IPL 2022 Eliminator), Shahbaz Ahmed, Finn Allen, Mahipal Lomror along with some experienced bowling options in Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, Md Siraj. Also read: IPL 2023: MS Dhoni-led CSK retain Ravindra Jadeja, release Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan Players released: Jason Behrendorff, Aneeshwar Gautam, Chama Milind, Luvnith Sisodia, Sherfane Rutherford Purse remaining: INR 87.5 million (INR 8.75 crore) Players acquired via trades: NA Current squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep Overseas slots remaining: 2 With not wholesome changes to their squad ahead of the mini auction, it will be interesting to see who all are included in the RCB line-up before the start of the next year's edition.

RCB keep it simple! Jason Behrendorff only big name released by Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2023 mini auction

Australia's tour of South Africa in early 2018 made heads turn in the cricketing fraternity. After the series was tied at 1-1 and the third and penultimate Test was underway, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and then Aussie skipper Steve Smith were involved in a huge controversy when the former was caught hiding a sandpaper in his pocket during the third day's play.&nbsp;

After an investigation, it was revealed that Smith and Warner were aware of Bancroft hiding a sandpaper while fielding. As a result, the trio were banned by Cricket Australia (CA) and the captaincy baton was passed onto Tim Paine. Paine, in his autobiography&nbsp;&nbsp;'Tim Paine: The Price Paid', has now made a massive claim that the Faf du Plessis-led were also ball-tampering in the fourth and final Test, in&nbsp;Johannesburg.

"I saw it happen in the fourth Test of that series. Think about that. After everything that had happened in Cape Town, after all the headlines and bans and carry on,"&nbsp;Paine wrote in the book as quoted by&nbsp;ESPNcricnifo.&nbsp;"I was standing at the bowlers' end in the next Test when a shot came up on the screen of a South African player at mid-off having a huge crack at the ball."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/to-hell-with-the-spirit-of-the-game-hardik-pandya-shares-his-take-on-run-out-at-non-strikers-end-528119">'To hell with the Spirit of the Game': Hardik Pandya shares his take on run out at non-striker's end</a>

"The television director, who had played an active role in catching out Cam, immediately pulled the shot off the screen. We went to the umpires about it, which might seem a bit poor, but we'd been slaughtered and were convinced they'd been up to it since the first Test. But the footage got lost. As it would," the keeper-batter added.

The Sandpaper Gate is a dark phase in Australian cricket. Recently, then SA skipper&nbsp;Faf du Plessis,&nbsp;in his upcoming book, also stated that his team had spotted Australian team fiddling with the ball in the run-up to the Cape Town Test after he observed&nbsp;the 'insane reverse swing' Mitchell Starc was getting from the red cherry in the initial matches.

Eventually, SA thrashed Australia 3-1 to win the series but the four Tests are still vividly remembered for the ball-tampering saga.&nbsp;

Australia's tour of South Africa in early 2018 made heads turn in the cricketing fraternity. After the series was tied at 1-1 and the third and penultimate Test was underway, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and then Aussie skipper Steve Smith were involved in a huge controversy when the former was caught hiding a sandpaper in his pocket during the third day's play.

Australia's tour of South Africa in early 2018 made heads turn in the cricketing fraternity. After the series was tied at 1-1 and the third and penultimate Test was underway, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and then Aussie skipper Steve Smith were involved in a huge controversy when the former was caught hiding a sandpaper in his pocket during the third day's play. After an investigation, it was revealed that Smith and Warner were aware of Bancroft hiding a sandpaper while fielding. As a result, the trio were banned by Cricket Australia (CA) and the captaincy baton was passed onto Tim Paine. Paine, in his autobiography 'Tim Paine: The Price Paid', has now made a massive claim that the Faf du Plessis-led were also ball-tampering in the fourth and final Test, in Johannesburg. "I saw it happen in the fourth Test of that series. Think about that. After everything that had happened in Cape Town, after all the headlines and bans and carry on," Paine wrote in the book as quoted by ESPNcricnifo. "I was standing at the bowlers' end in the next Test when a shot came up on the screen of a South African player at mid-off having a huge crack at the ball." ALSO READ | 'To hell with the Spirit of the Game': Hardik Pandya shares his take on run out at non-striker's end "The television director, who had played an active role in catching out Cam, immediately pulled the shot off the screen. We went to the umpires about it, which might seem a bit poor, but we'd been slaughtered and were convinced they'd been up to it since the first Test. But the footage got lost. As it would," the keeper-batter added. The Sandpaper Gate is a dark phase in Australian cricket. Recently, then SA skipper Faf du Plessis, in his upcoming book, also stated that his team had spotted Australian team fiddling with the ball in the run-up to the Cape Town Test after he observed the 'insane reverse swing' Mitchell Starc was getting from the red cherry in the initial matches. Eventually, SA thrashed Australia 3-1 to win the series but the four Tests are still vividly remembered for the ball-tampering saga.

Saw a player having a crack: Tim Paine claims South Africa were ball-tampering after Newlands Test in 2018

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Faf du Plessis is all set to reunite with the franchise as he has been reportedly roped in by the CSK management as a marquee player for their team in South Africa's new T20 league. Cricket South Africa (CSA) is yet to name the T20 tournament which is set to get underway next year and will have six teams, all owned by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises.

While CSK owners have bought the Johannesburg franchise in CSA's new T20 league, Mumbai Indians (MI) have bagged the Cape Town team. The owners of Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants have bought the Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Paarl and Durban franchises respectively.

All six franchises have already made some key signings as Wednesday (August 10) was the last day for the direct acquisition of players. Cricket South Africa had asked all six teams to submit a list of a maximum of five players they have signed with a minimum of one South African part of the list.

The CSA rules also state that a franchise can only have three foreigners as part of their final five with not more than two players from one country, and at least one uncapped player on the list. As per a report in Cricbuzz, all six teams have retained some of the players from their existing teams in the IPL.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/33-yr-old-seamer-wanting-to-maximise-his-earning-potential-australia-legend-on-trent-boults-contract-snub-505925">33-yr-old seamer wanting to maximise his earning potential: Australia legend on Trent Boult's contract snub</a>

As per Cricbuzz, CSK have roped in Du Plessis for their Johannesburg franchise. The former South Africa captain was part of the CSK squad in the IPL from 2011 to 2021 barring just two seasons in 2016 and 2017 when the team was banned from the competition. However, CSK couldn't retain Du Plessis in the IPL 2022 mega auction earlier this year as he was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Apart from Du Plessis, CSK have also signed England all-rounder Moeen Ali for their Johannesburg franchise. Ali will now for a CSK-owned franchise in both the IPL and the South African league. Mumbai Indians, who have acquired the MI Cape Town team for the CSA T20 league, have signed a host of superstars.

The franchise on Thursday (August 11) confirmed they have roped in Rashid Khan, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone for the South African T20 league. As per Cricbuzz, Delhi Capitals have retained their South African pacer Anrich Nortje while Sunrisers Hyderabad, who own the Port Elizabeth team, have retained Aiden Markram.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brown-face-in-a-vanilla-line-up-new-zealand-great-ross-taylor-makes-shocking-racism-claims-in-his-new-book-505850">&nbsp;Brown face in a vanilla line-up: New Zealand great Ross Taylor makes shocking racism claims in his new book</a>

Rajasthan Royals, the owners of the Paarl team, have managed to retain their IPL superstar Jos Buttler while Lucknow Super Giants have kept hold of Quinton de Kock for their Durban franchise in the CSA league. The T20 league in South Africa is likely to clash with&nbsp;UAE's league&nbsp;- ILT20 next year.

However, all the players who have committed to playing in CSA's T20 league are likely to snub ILT20 for its South African counterpart.

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Faf du Plessis is all set to reunite with the franchise as he has been reportedly roped in by the CSK management as a marquee player for their team in South Africa's new T20 league.

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Faf du Plessis is all set to reunite with the franchise as he has been reportedly roped in by the CSK management as a marquee player for their team in South Africa's new T20 league. Cricket South Africa (CSA) is yet to name the T20 tournament which is set to get underway next year and will have six teams, all owned by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. While CSK owners have bought the Johannesburg franchise in CSA's new T20 league, Mumbai Indians (MI) have bagged the Cape Town team. The owners of Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants have bought the Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Paarl and Durban franchises respectively. All six franchises have already made some key signings as Wednesday (August 10) was the last day for the direct acquisition of players. Cricket South Africa had asked all six teams to submit a list of a maximum of five players they have signed with a minimum of one South African part of the list. The CSA rules also state that a franchise can only have three foreigners as part of their final five with not more than two players from one country, and at least one uncapped player on the list. As per a report in Cricbuzz, all six teams have retained some of the players from their existing teams in the IPL. Also Read: 33-yr-old seamer wanting to maximise his earning potential: Australia legend on Trent Boult's contract snub As per Cricbuzz, CSK have roped in Du Plessis for their Johannesburg franchise. The former South Africa captain was part of the CSK squad in the IPL from 2011 to 2021 barring just two seasons in 2016 and 2017 when the team was banned from the competition. However, CSK couldn't retain Du Plessis in the IPL 2022 mega auction earlier this year as he was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Apart from Du Plessis, CSK have also signed England all-rounder Moeen Ali for their Johannesburg franchise. Ali will now for a CSK-owned franchise in both the IPL and the South African league. Mumbai Indians, who have acquired the MI Cape Town team for the CSA T20 league, have signed a host of superstars. The franchise on Thursday (August 11) confirmed they have roped in Rashid Khan, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone for the South African T20 league. As per Cricbuzz, Delhi Capitals have retained their South African pacer Anrich Nortje while Sunrisers Hyderabad, who own the Port Elizabeth team, have retained Aiden Markram. Also Read: Brown face in a vanilla line-up: New Zealand great Ross Taylor makes shocking racism claims in his new book Rajasthan Royals, the owners of the Paarl team, have managed to retain their IPL superstar Jos Buttler while Lucknow Super Giants have kept hold of Quinton de Kock for their Durban franchise in the CSA league. The T20 league in South Africa is likely to clash with UAE's league - ILT20 next year. However, all the players who have committed to playing in CSA's T20 league are likely to snub ILT20 for its South African counterpart.

Faf du Plessis back with Super Kings in CSA T20 league, MI rope in Rashid, Rabada and Curran

The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded with a fitting final between two of the most deserving sides of the season. Gujarat Titans (GT) got the better of Rajasthan Royals (RR) to cap off an incredible debut season by lifting their maiden IPL trophy. It was a fairytale run for the Titans, who had saved their best for the last and came up with a clinical performance in the final to clinch the elusive trophy for the first time.

Hardik Pandya received the prestigious trophy after a magnificent tournament for the Titans. The star all-rounder was leading a team for the first time in his IPL career and showcased exceptional leadership qualities to prove why he can be one of the strong contenders for Team India's captaincy going forward.

It was a memorable season for Hardik and his men, who proved the naysayers wrong with some terrific cricket throughout the tournament. Debunking the myth that the trophy is won at the auction table, Gujarat Titans, who not many had given a chance after the mega auction earlier this year, got the best out of their players and had to wait for lesser than many for their first title.

While Hardik had a phenomenal debut campaign as captain of the Gujarat Titans, not all new captains managed to impress with their leadership in IPL 2022. There were a total of four new captains, who were leading a side for the first time in their IPL careers this year and all four had contrasting journeys.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2022-roundup-from-ms-dhonis-confirmation-to-gujarat-titans-historic-triumph-483837">IPL 2022 roundup: From MS Dhoni's confirmation to Gujarat Titans' historic triumph</a>

While Hardik was roped in as their captain by the Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore replaced the mighty Virat Kohli with a cool and calm head in Faf du Plessis. Mayank Agarwal took over the reins at Punjab Kings after KL Rahul's departure and it was Ravindra Jadeja, who was in charge of the Chennai Super Kings after MS Dhoni pulled off yet another surprise to step down from captaincy ahead of the season only to make a comeback later.

Here is a look at how the four new captains fared in IPL 2022:

Hardik Pandya

<img alt="hardik" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db12b038-a106-4ddd-9117-75148a0a2a34" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hardik%20ipl%20tro.png" />

The most impressive of the lot was unarguable Hardik Pandya, who proved many wrong with display some brilliant leadership qualities throughout the season. After being released by Mumbai Indians, Hardik was appointed as captain by debutants Gujarat Titans, with many questioning the decision to hand over the reins to the star all-rounder, who had dealt with injury issues over the past couple of years and had not contributed much with the ball either.

Hardik led from the front as the season began and promoted himself up the order to take more responsibility with the bat. While he didn't bowl regularly, he always stepped up when his team needed him with the ball and picked up wickets at crucial junctures. Besides being an inspiring leader, he always let his game do the talking on the pitch.

Hardik finished as the highest run-getter for the Titans with 487 runs in 15 matches and also picked up 8 wickets. He delivered a match-winning all-round performance in the final against the Rajasthan Royals to power his side to their maiden title with 3 wickets and 34 runs. Hardik became only the third captain in IPL history to bag the Man of the Match award in an IPL final.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-ms-dhoni-and-virat-kohli-among-least-valuable-players-for-their-franchise-in-ipl-2022-report-483712">Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli among least valuable players for their franchises in IPL 2022 - Report</a>

Ravindra Jadeja

<img alt="jadeja" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7b23850-6b71-437c-bcf2-d54c39abec60" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jadeja%20CSK.png" />

Expectations were not too high from Ravindra Jadeja after he surprisingly took over from MS Dhoni as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2022. While there were indications that CSK might groom a successor for Dhoni under him this season, not many had expected the legendary wicket-keeper batter to give up captaincy and not lead the team at all this season.

As it turned out, Dhoni managed to spring a surprise once again for his fans by handing over the charge to Jadeja. CSK got off to a torrid start and were expected to bounce back but they ended up losing their first four games in a row before bagging their first win against RCB in their fifth game of the season.

Jadeja looked far from a leader on the field and was finding it difficult to marshal his troops initially. His bowling changes were being found out and the absence of key players due to injuries was not helping his cause. The pressure got the better of the formidable all-rounder taking a toll on his personal game.

He was failing to deliver with the bat and wickets too had dried up. If that was not enough, Jadeja also made costly errors on the field. Before it could have gotten worse, Jadeja decided to step down and hand back the reins to Dhoni after six losses and just two wins in their first eight matches. Safe to say, it was far from a perfect captaincy stint for Jadeja and was a short-lived one which ended with just a couple of wins in 8 games.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-in-sachin-tendulkars-best-xi-from-ipl-2022-hardik-pandya-named-captain-483728">No Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in Sachin Tendulkar's best XI from IPL 2022; Hardik Pandya named captain</a>

Mayank Agarwal&nbsp;

<img alt="mayank" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7976fe2-772f-48e7-9122-b8f3f92595eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mayank%20ipl.png" />

Punjab Kings found themselves without a leader of the pack yet again ahead of the start of IPL 2022 after KL Rahul decided to part ways with the franchise. Punjab Kings had invested in Rahul back in 2018 with an aim to groom their future leader in him but his exit left the franchise seeking a captain once again in the mega auction.

While they bought some experienced campaigners in Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada and Jonny Bairstow, Punjab Kings showed their faith in Mayank Agarwal for the leadership role. Mayank had been part of the franchise for a while now and had also got significant experience at the international and domestic levels.

However, he couldn't impress much in his debut stint as captain and had an average run with the franchise. Punjab Kings remained inconsistent throughout the tournament and failed to win two matches on the trot even once. They came close but failed to qualify for the playoffs with 14 points from 14 games.

Their approach with the bat was lauded by many as they played some aggressive cricket and showed the right intent but their bowlers failed to compliment the batters at times in what was yet another season of ups and downs for the Anil Kumble-coached side.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hardik-pandya-to-david-miller-5-heroes-of-gujarat-titans-memorable-maiden-ipl-triumph-483565">Hardik Pandya to David Miller: 5 heroes of Gujarat Titans' memorable maiden IPL triumph</a>

Faf du Plessis

<img alt="faf" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee91e764-63dc-4e4c-85fa-f030390129c7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Faf%20IPL.png" />

There was immense excitement surrounding Faf du Plessis' appointment as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the start of the season. Du Plessis had replaced Virat Kohli, a bonafide superstar who had led the team to back-to-back playoffs in the last two seasons but failed to get them over the line.

With Du Plessis' arrival, it seemed RCB might go on to crack&nbsp;the IPL-winning code in the 2022 season and it did see to unfold as the season began. RCB were a much better unit under the former CSK man, who had been part of several IPL-winning squads with the Yellow Army.

Du Plessis had the pedigree of a leader who could inspire RCB to their maiden IPL title and he did take them to the playoffs for the third season in a row. However, the team faltered again on the big stage and was knocked out of the playoffs.

However, there were a lot of positives from RCB's campaign as they saw the rise of some of the youngsters like Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror while the likes of Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga dazzled with the ball. A lot of the current players in RCB will only get better in the years to come and they might go on to achieve something special if they continue working hard.

&nbsp;

The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded with a fitting final between two of the most deserving sides of the season. Gujarat Titans (GT) got the better of Rajasthan Royals (RR) to cap off an incredible debut season by lifting their maiden IPL trophy.

The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded with a fitting final between two of the most deserving sides of the season. Gujarat Titans (GT) got the better of Rajasthan Royals (RR) to cap off an incredible debut season by lifting their maiden IPL trophy. It was a fairytale run for the Titans, who had saved their best for the last and came up with a clinical performance in the final to clinch the elusive trophy for the first time. Hardik Pandya received the prestigious trophy after a magnificent tournament for the Titans. The star all-rounder was leading a team for the first time in his IPL career and showcased exceptional leadership qualities to prove why he can be one of the strong contenders for Team India's captaincy going forward. It was a memorable season for Hardik and his men, who proved the naysayers wrong with some terrific cricket throughout the tournament. Debunking the myth that the trophy is won at the auction table, Gujarat Titans, who not many had given a chance after the mega auction earlier this year, got the best out of their players and had to wait for lesser than many for their first title. While Hardik had a phenomenal debut campaign as captain of the Gujarat Titans, not all new captains managed to impress with their leadership in IPL 2022. There were a total of four new captains, who were leading a side for the first time in their IPL careers this year and all four had contrasting journeys. Also Read: IPL 2022 roundup: From MS Dhoni's confirmation to Gujarat Titans' historic triumph While Hardik was roped in as their captain by the Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore replaced the mighty Virat Kohli with a cool and calm head in Faf du Plessis. Mayank Agarwal took over the reins at Punjab Kings after KL Rahul's departure and it was Ravindra Jadeja, who was in charge of the Chennai Super Kings after MS Dhoni pulled off yet another surprise to step down from captaincy ahead of the season only to make a comeback later. Here is a look at how the four new captains fared in IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya The most impressive of the lot was unarguable Hardik Pandya, who proved many wrong with display some brilliant leadership qualities throughout the season. After being released by Mumbai Indians, Hardik was appointed as captain by debutants Gujarat Titans, with many questioning the decision to hand over the reins to the star all-rounder, who had dealt with injury issues over the past couple of years and had not contributed much with the ball either. Hardik led from the front as the season began and promoted himself up the order to take more responsibility with the bat. While he didn't bowl regularly, he always stepped up when his team needed him with the ball and picked up wickets at crucial junctures. Besides being an inspiring leader, he always let his game do the talking on the pitch. Hardik finished as the highest run-getter for the Titans with 487 runs in 15 matches and also picked up 8 wickets. He delivered a match-winning all-round performance in the final against the Rajasthan Royals to power his side to their maiden title with 3 wickets and 34 runs. Hardik became only the third captain in IPL history to bag the Man of the Match award in an IPL final. Also Read: Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli among least valuable players for their franchises in IPL 2022 - Report Ravindra Jadeja Expectations were not too high from Ravindra Jadeja after he surprisingly took over from MS Dhoni as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2022. While there were indications that CSK might groom a successor for Dhoni under him this season, not many had expected the legendary wicket-keeper batter to give up captaincy and not lead the team at all this season. As it turned out, Dhoni managed to spring a surprise once again for his fans by handing over the charge to Jadeja. CSK got off to a torrid start and were expected to bounce back but they ended up losing their first four games in a row before bagging their first win against RCB in their fifth game of the season. Jadeja looked far from a leader on the field and was finding it difficult to marshal his troops initially. His bowling changes were being found out and the absence of key players due to injuries was not helping his cause. The pressure got the better of the formidable all-rounder taking a toll on his personal game. He was failing to deliver with the bat and wickets too had dried up. If that was not enough, Jadeja also made costly errors on the field. Before it could have gotten worse, Jadeja decided to step down and hand back the reins to Dhoni after six losses and just two wins in their first eight matches. Safe to say, it was far from a perfect captaincy stint for Jadeja and was a short-lived one which ended with just a couple of wins in 8 games. Also Read: No Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in Sachin Tendulkar's best XI from IPL 2022; Hardik Pandya named captain Mayank Agarwal Punjab Kings found themselves without a leader of the pack yet again ahead of the start of IPL 2022 after KL Rahul decided to part ways with the franchise. Punjab Kings had invested in Rahul back in 2018 with an aim to groom their future leader in him but his exit left the franchise seeking a captain once again in the mega auction. While they bought some experienced campaigners in Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada and Jonny Bairstow, Punjab Kings showed their faith in Mayank Agarwal for the leadership role. Mayank had been part of the franchise for a while now and had also got significant experience at the international and domestic levels. However, he couldn't impress much in his debut stint as captain and had an average run with the franchise. Punjab Kings remained inconsistent throughout the tournament and failed to win two matches on the trot even once. They came close but failed to qualify for the playoffs with 14 points from 14 games. Their approach with the bat was lauded by many as they played some aggressive cricket and showed the right intent but their bowlers failed to compliment the batters at times in what was yet another season of ups and downs for the Anil Kumble-coached side. Also Read: Hardik Pandya to David Miller: 5 heroes of Gujarat Titans' memorable maiden IPL triumph Faf du Plessis There was immense excitement surrounding Faf du Plessis' appointment as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the start of the season. Du Plessis had replaced Virat Kohli, a bonafide superstar who had led the team to back-to-back playoffs in the last two seasons but failed to get them over the line. With Du Plessis' arrival, it seemed RCB might go on to crack the IPL-winning code in the 2022 season and it did see to unfold as the season began. RCB were a much better unit under the former CSK man, who had been part of several IPL-winning squads with the Yellow Army. Du Plessis had the pedigree of a leader who could inspire RCB to their maiden IPL title and he did take them to the playoffs for the third season in a row. However, the team faltered again on the big stage and was knocked out of the playoffs. However, there were a lot of positives from RCB's campaign as they saw the rise of some of the youngsters like Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror while the likes of Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga dazzled with the ball. A lot of the current players in RCB will only get better in the years to come and they might go on to achieve something special if they continue working hard.

From Hardik Pandya to Ravindra Jadeja: How new captains fared in IPL 2022?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were knocked out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Saturday (May 27) after facing a seven-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB made it to the playoffs for the third time in a row this season but failed to qualify for the final once again as they lost in the second Qualifier against the Royals.

Jos Buttler was the hero with the bat for the Royals as he slammed a stunning century to power his side to a comprehensive win over RCB. Faf du Plessis &amp; Co. had posted a total of 157 runs on the board batting first in the second Qualifier but lost the must-win encounter after failing to defend the total.

While RCB's wait for their maiden IPL title has been extended after their loss against the Royals, it was still a great season for the Du Plessis-led side as they made it to the playoffs for the third straight season and played some phenomenal cricket. RCB were also not dependent heavily on their top three of Faf, Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell as some of the youngsters impressed for the side as well.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-should-just-pack-his-bat-into-his-bag-michael-vaughan-has-an-interesting-advice-for-virat-kohli-482967">'He should just pack his bat into his bag': Michael Vaughan has an interesting advice for Virat Kohli</a>

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar gave his verdict on RCB's campaign in IPL 2022 and called Du Plessis a better leader than Kohli, who stepped down from captaincy last season. Manjrekar also felt RCB should have gone on to win the title this year but believes the loss will help them fill the gaping holes in their squad.

"RCB have had a slightly better season. Some good things have happened. Faf du Plessis has looked like a better leader than Virat Kohli. But more is expected of them.&nbsp;Having come this far, they should have won. They’ll know exactly what has gone wrong and what has prevented them from going on to win gold instead of bronze," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

"A lot of credit around the bowling unit has to go to Faf. That’s where we see the captaincy at its best. More often than not, he got it right. He started the season well with the bat, but, like a lot of other players, he too had a split season. Still, he’s the right option to continue as captain, according to me," he added.

&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were knocked out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Saturday (May 27) after facing a seven-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were knocked out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Saturday (May 27) after facing a seven-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB made it to the playoffs for the third time in a row this season but failed to qualify for the final once again as they lost in the second Qualifier against the Royals. Jos Buttler was the hero with the bat for the Royals as he slammed a stunning century to power his side to a comprehensive win over RCB. Faf du Plessis & Co. had posted a total of 157 runs on the board batting first in the second Qualifier but lost the must-win encounter after failing to defend the total. While RCB's wait for their maiden IPL title has been extended after their loss against the Royals, it was still a great season for the Du Plessis-led side as they made it to the playoffs for the third straight season and played some phenomenal cricket. RCB were also not dependent heavily on their top three of Faf, Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell as some of the youngsters impressed for the side as well. Also Read: 'He should just pack his bat into his bag': Michael Vaughan has an interesting advice for Virat Kohli Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar gave his verdict on RCB's campaign in IPL 2022 and called Du Plessis a better leader than Kohli, who stepped down from captaincy last season. Manjrekar also felt RCB should have gone on to win the title this year but believes the loss will help them fill the gaping holes in their squad. "RCB have had a slightly better season. Some good things have happened. Faf du Plessis has looked like a better leader than Virat Kohli. But more is expected of them. Having come this far, they should have won. They’ll know exactly what has gone wrong and what has prevented them from going on to win gold instead of bronze," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo. "A lot of credit around the bowling unit has to go to Faf. That’s where we see the captaincy at its best. More often than not, he got it right. He started the season well with the bat, but, like a lot of other players, he too had a split season. Still, he’s the right option to continue as captain, according to me," he added.

Faf du Plessis looked a better leader than Virat Kohli, they should have won IPL 2022: Sanjay Manjrekar

There is now only one match left before the IPL 2022 final, set to be held on Sunday evening (May 29). The Qualifier 2, en route to the summit clash, will see the three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) lock horns with each other at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday evening (May 27).

RCB is looking at its threatening best. After winning their last league stage encounter, versus Gujarat Titans (GT) -- who are already in the final, the Faf du Plessis-led franchise was helped by Mumbai Indians (MI), who beat Delhi Capitals (DC) to eliminate them and take RCB to the playoffs. In the Eliminator, RCB posted 207-4, riding on Rajat Patidar's 112 not out, and defended the total by restricting Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 193-6. With this, RCB have booked a place in Qualifier 2 and they will look to topple the RR franchise, against whom they have had a good record in the last few&nbsp;seasons.&nbsp;

RR, on the other hand, ended at the second spot in the league stage and went on to lose to Gujarat in Qualifier 1, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. While RR have relied on five bowlers, they may have to find a way to curtail the run-flow in the death overs. For now, RCB's batting depth and death-over specialists bowlers might give them an edge ahead of the marquee clash.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcbvslsg-kolkata-cop-turns-john-cena-to-force-out-intruder-leaves-virat-kohli-in-disbelief-watch-482393">RCBvsLSG: Kolkata cop turns John Cena to force out intruder, leaves Virat Kohli in disbelief - WATCH</a>

Match prediction for RCB vs RR clash: The&nbsp;pitch and overall conditions are expected to be a lot different than what it was in Kolkata.&nbsp;It is more about dry heat than&nbsp;humidity in Ahmedabad when compared to Kolkata. The ground has six red soil pitches and five black soil pitches, hence,&nbsp;the nature of the pitch could come down to the characteristics of the soil. In the past, the curator has left a covering of grass for a T20 game. Nonetheless, expect a pitch with more even bounce for Qualifier 2. Anything around 155-160 can be a winning total. Batting first team to win?

There is now only one match left before the IPL 2022 final, set to be held on Sunday evening (May 29). The Qualifier 2, en route to the summit clash, will see the three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) lock horns with each other at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday evening (May 27).

There is now only one match left before the IPL 2022 final, set to be held on Sunday evening (May 29). The Qualifier 2, en route to the summit clash, will see the three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) lock horns with each other at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday evening (May 27). RCB is looking at its threatening best. After winning their last league stage encounter, versus Gujarat Titans (GT) -- who are already in the final, the Faf du Plessis-led franchise was helped by Mumbai Indians (MI), who beat Delhi Capitals (DC) to eliminate them and take RCB to the playoffs. In the Eliminator, RCB posted 207-4, riding on Rajat Patidar's 112 not out, and defended the total by restricting Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 193-6. With this, RCB have booked a place in Qualifier 2 and they will look to topple the RR franchise, against whom they have had a good record in the last few seasons. RR, on the other hand, ended at the second spot in the league stage and went on to lose to Gujarat in Qualifier 1, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. While RR have relied on five bowlers, they may have to find a way to curtail the run-flow in the death overs. For now, RCB's batting depth and death-over specialists bowlers might give them an edge ahead of the marquee clash. ALSO READ | RCBvsLSG: Kolkata cop turns John Cena to force out intruder, leaves Virat Kohli in disbelief - WATCH Match prediction for RCB vs RR clash: The pitch and overall conditions are expected to be a lot different than what it was in Kolkata. It is more about dry heat than humidity in Ahmedabad when compared to Kolkata. The ground has six red soil pitches and five black soil pitches, hence, the nature of the pitch could come down to the characteristics of the soil. In the past, the curator has left a covering of grass for a T20 game. Nonetheless, expect a pitch with more even bounce for Qualifier 2. Anything around 155-160 can be a winning total. Batting first team to win?

RCB vs RR, IPL 2022 Qualifier 2 prediction today: Who will win Bengaluru vs Rajasthan match?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) moved one step closer to securing a spot in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as the Faf du Plessis-led side defeated Luckow Super Giants (LSG) by 14 runs in the Eliminator at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (May 26). Rajat Patidar was the star with the bat for RCB as he slammed his maiden IPL ton to power the team to a match-winning total of 208 runs before Josh Hazlewood and Harshal Patel helped their side close out the game comfortably.

Asked to bat first at the Eden Gardens, RCB didn't get off the best possible start as they lost skipper Faf du Plessis on a duck in the very first over. However, Patidar arrived in the middle at number three and went on to play the knock of his life to help his team bounce back strongly. Patidar went after the LSG bowlers from the word go and completed his stunning maiden IPL ton off just 49 balls.

He added a crucial partnership of 66 runs for the second wicket with Virat Kohli (25) before adding a superb unbeaten stand of 92 runs for the fifth wicket with Dinesh Karthik, who played a sensational cameo of 23-ball 37 to help RCB finish strongly. Patidar scored an unbeaten 112 off just 54 balls laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes to take the LSG bowlers to the cleaners.

RCB bowlers would have backed themselves to defend the total of 208 runs comfortably but with dew coming into play and the track helping the batters immensely, it took a lot of hard work from the bowlers to stop the LSG batters from achieving the target.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rajat-patidar-slams-stunning-maiden-ipl-ton-against-lsg-in-ipl-2022-eliminator-powers-rcb-to-strong-total-482167">Rajat Patidar slams stunning maiden IPL ton against LSG in IPL 2022 Eliminator</a>

It wasn't an ideal start for LSG in their run chase as opener Quinton de Kock departed after scoring just 6 off 5 balls before Manan Vohra, who came in at 3 was also dismissed cheaply on 19 off 11 balls. Skipper KL Rahul acted as glue in LSG's batting line-up and held the crease from one end with a gritty 79 off 58 balls.

However, he failed to find support from the other end after Deepak Hooda's departure in the 15th over. Rahul and Hooda added a brilliant partnership of 96 runs for the third wicket to keep LSG in the run chase but their batting line-up crumbled under pressure after Hooda's departure.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-will-be-around-for-a-long-time-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-reacts-to-umran-maliks-rise-in-ipl-2022-482181">'He will be around for a long time': BCCI president Sourav Ganguly reacts to Umran Malik's rise in IPL 2022</a>

While Marcus Stoinis clearly struggled in the middle and could only manage 9 off 9 balls, Evin Lewis couldn't do much after being sent out to bat at number 6 as he returned not out on 2 off 6 balls. LSG &nbsp;will ruse the missed opportunities on the field during RCB's innings and would have hoped for a better show from their middle-order in the crucial encunter.

RCB will now face Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier 2 for a place in the final against Gujarat Titans. RCB and Rajasthan Royals will lock horns in the second Qualifier on Friday (May 28) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The winner will take on GT in the summit clash.

&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) moved one step closer to securing a spot in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as the Faf du Plessis-led side defeated Luckow Super Giants (LSG) by 14 runs in the Eliminator at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (May 26).

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) moved one step closer to securing a spot in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as the Faf du Plessis-led side defeated Luckow Super Giants (LSG) by 14 runs in the Eliminator at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (May 26). Rajat Patidar was the star with the bat for RCB as he slammed his maiden IPL ton to power the team to a match-winning total of 208 runs before Josh Hazlewood and Harshal Patel helped their side close out the game comfortably. Asked to bat first at the Eden Gardens, RCB didn't get off the best possible start as they lost skipper Faf du Plessis on a duck in the very first over. However, Patidar arrived in the middle at number three and went on to play the knock of his life to help his team bounce back strongly. Patidar went after the LSG bowlers from the word go and completed his stunning maiden IPL ton off just 49 balls. He added a crucial partnership of 66 runs for the second wicket with Virat Kohli (25) before adding a superb unbeaten stand of 92 runs for the fifth wicket with Dinesh Karthik, who played a sensational cameo of 23-ball 37 to help RCB finish strongly. Patidar scored an unbeaten 112 off just 54 balls laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes to take the LSG bowlers to the cleaners. RCB bowlers would have backed themselves to defend the total of 208 runs comfortably but with dew coming into play and the track helping the batters immensely, it took a lot of hard work from the bowlers to stop the LSG batters from achieving the target. Also Read: Rajat Patidar slams stunning maiden IPL ton against LSG in IPL 2022 Eliminator It wasn't an ideal start for LSG in their run chase as opener Quinton de Kock departed after scoring just 6 off 5 balls before Manan Vohra, who came in at 3 was also dismissed cheaply on 19 off 11 balls. Skipper KL Rahul acted as glue in LSG's batting line-up and held the crease from one end with a gritty 79 off 58 balls. However, he failed to find support from the other end after Deepak Hooda's departure in the 15th over. Rahul and Hooda added a brilliant partnership of 96 runs for the third wicket to keep LSG in the run chase but their batting line-up crumbled under pressure after Hooda's departure. Also Read: 'He will be around for a long time': BCCI president Sourav Ganguly reacts to Umran Malik's rise in IPL 2022 While Marcus Stoinis clearly struggled in the middle and could only manage 9 off 9 balls, Evin Lewis couldn't do much after being sent out to bat at number 6 as he returned not out on 2 off 6 balls. LSG will ruse the missed opportunities on the field during RCB's innings and would have hoped for a better show from their middle-order in the crucial encunter. RCB will now face Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier 2 for a place in the final against Gujarat Titans. RCB and Rajasthan Royals will lock horns in the second Qualifier on Friday (May 28) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The winner will take on GT in the summit clash.

Rajat Patidar's ton helps RCB knock Lucknow Super Giants out of IPL 2022, to face RR in Qualifier 2

IPL 2022 edition is nearing its conclusion. After a riveting 70-match league stage round, the action is all set to continue in the playoffs. Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) topped the points table whereas Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended in the top two for the first time since the inaugural season.

Moreover, the second debutant franchise -- after Gujarat -- i.e. the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and perennial underachievers Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have also booked a place in the playoffs as the stage is set for a thrilling end to the 15th season. Ahead of Qualifier 1, where Gujarat will lock horns with Rajasthan, former England spinner-turned-commentator Graeme Swann made a bold prediction on the season's finalists.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-going-to-be-another-ms-dhoni-r-ashwin-lauds-csk-skipper-for-his-incredible-finishing-ability-481836">'Never going to be another MS Dhoni': R Ashwin lauds CSK skipper for his incredible finishing ability</a>

Speaking on&nbsp;Star Sports&nbsp;show Cricket Live, Swann who has a soft corner for the Royals said, "Rajasthan Royals will win that first game (Qualifier 1) against Gujarat Titans. I honestly think first and second, i.e. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the two best sides in this season and they could end up facing each other in that final."

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gujarat-titans-vs-rajasthan-royals-ipl-2022-head-to-head-stats-trivia-and-predicted-playing-xis-481796">Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2022: Head-to-head, stats, trivia and predicted playing XIs</a>

For the unversed, the top-two teams have faced each other in the finale on eight occasions ever since the playoffs got introduced in the IPL (in 2011). Hence, Rajasthan-Gujarat surely have an advantage as the loser of Qualifier 1 will still have another shot at reaching the summit clash.

Nonetheless, both teams will be eager to make a place in the final after winning Qualifier 1 itself. Talking about the Eliminator, to be held on Wednesday (May 25), Lucknow will face Bengaluru at the same venue where Qualifier 1 will take place; i.e. Eden Gardens, Kolkata.&nbsp;
</section>

IPL 2022 edition is nearing its conclusion. After a riveting 70-match league stage round, the action is all set to continue in the playoffs. Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) topped the points table whereas Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended in the top two for the first time since the inaugural season.

IPL 2022 edition is nearing its conclusion. After a riveting 70-match league stage round, the action is all set to continue in the playoffs. Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) topped the points table whereas Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended in the top two for the first time since the inaugural season. Moreover, the second debutant franchise -- after Gujarat -- i.e. the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and perennial underachievers Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have also booked a place in the playoffs as the stage is set for a thrilling end to the 15th season. Ahead of Qualifier 1, where Gujarat will lock horns with Rajasthan, former England spinner-turned-commentator Graeme Swann made a bold prediction on the season's finalists. ALSO READ | 'Never going to be another MS Dhoni': R Ashwin lauds CSK skipper for his incredible finishing ability Speaking on Star Sports show Cricket Live, Swann who has a soft corner for the Royals said, "Rajasthan Royals will win that first game (Qualifier 1) against Gujarat Titans. I honestly think first and second, i.e. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the two best sides in this season and they could end up facing each other in that final." ALSO READ | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2022: Head-to-head, stats, trivia and predicted playing XIs For the unversed, the top-two teams have faced each other in the finale on eight occasions ever since the playoffs got introduced in the IPL (in 2011). Hence, Rajasthan-Gujarat surely have an advantage as the loser of Qualifier 1 will still have another shot at reaching the summit clash. Nonetheless, both teams will be eager to make a place in the final after winning Qualifier 1 itself. Talking about the Eliminator, to be held on Wednesday (May 25), Lucknow will face Bengaluru at the same venue where Qualifier 1 will take place; i.e. Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Who will feature in IPL 2022 final? Former England spinner makes his pick among RR, LSG, GT and RCB

Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 5 wickets in their final league game of the season on Saturday (May 22) to end their disappointing season on a high and help Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) qualify for the playoffs. DC had their fate in their own hands and a win would have seen them leave RCB behind to qualify for the playoffs.

However, Rishabh Pant &amp; Co. went down fighting against MI as RCB finished at the 4th spot with 16 points from 14 matches. RCB players were seen cheering for Mumbai Indians throughout the crucial encounter on Saturday. The likes of captain Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli and the other members of the squad were all glued to the TV screens as MI locked horns with DC at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

After Mumbai Indians' victory against Delhi Capitals, RCB players and staff members went berserk in their team hotel and were seen celebrating wildly in a video shared by the franchise on social media. "Thank you Mumbai," Kohli can be heard saying in the video as he expressed his gratitude for the Rohit Sharma-led side.

Watch video:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RCB qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive year. We bring to you raw emotions, absolute joy and post-match celebrations, as the team watched <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvDC</a>. This is how much it meant to the boys last night.<a href="https://twitter.com/kreditbee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kreditbee</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mission2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mission2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%B2%A8%E0%B2%AE%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%AERCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ನಮ್ಮRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/5lCbEky8Xy">pic.twitter.com/5lCbEky8Xy</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1528217789630394369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-rcb-clinch-final-playoff-berth-after-mi-beat-dc-by-five-wickets-481110">RCB clinch final playoff berth after MI beat DC by five wickets</a>

Earlier, ahead of the start of the game between MI and DC, RCB had changed their display picture on social media and used their logo in a&nbsp;blue background to express their support for Mumbai Indians. RCB were in desperate need of a favour from MI as DC's win would have sent them packing from the tournament.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-playoffs-qualifiers-eliminator-schedule-dates-and-venues-481108">IPL 2022 playoffs: Qualifiers, Eliminator - Schedule, dates, and venues</a>

Asked to bat first in the game, DC rode on Rovman Powell's 43 and captain Rishabh Pant's 39 off 33 balls t post a fighting total of 159 runs on the board. DC bowlers got their team off to a good start with the ball during MI's run chase but Tim David's sensational cameo of 11-ball 34 saw Mumbai get over the line with 5 balls to spare.

With the help of MI, RCB have now qualified for the playoffs for the third season in a row in the IPL and will be hoping to go the distance under skipper Du Plessis this season.

Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 5 wickets in their final league game of the season on Saturday (May 22) to end their disappointing season on a high and help Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) qualify for the playoffs.

Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 5 wickets in their final league game of the season on Saturday (May 22) to end their disappointing season on a high and help Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) qualify for the playoffs. DC had their fate in their own hands and a win would have seen them leave RCB behind to qualify for the playoffs. However, Rishabh Pant & Co. went down fighting against MI as RCB finished at the 4th spot with 16 points from 14 matches. RCB players were seen cheering for Mumbai Indians throughout the crucial encounter on Saturday. The likes of captain Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli and the other members of the squad were all glued to the TV screens as MI locked horns with DC at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After Mumbai Indians' victory against Delhi Capitals, RCB players and staff members went berserk in their team hotel and were seen celebrating wildly in a video shared by the franchise on social media. "Thank you Mumbai," Kohli can be heard saying in the video as he expressed his gratitude for the Rohit Sharma-led side. Watch video: RCB qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive year. We bring to you raw emotions, absolute joy and post-match celebrations, as the team watched #MIvDC. This is how much it meant to the boys last night.@kreditbee#PlayBold #IPL2022 #Mission2022 #RCB #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/5lCbEky8Xy — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 22, 2022 × Also Read: RCB clinch final playoff berth after MI beat DC by five wickets Earlier, ahead of the start of the game between MI and DC, RCB had changed their display picture on social media and used their logo in a blue background to express their support for Mumbai Indians. RCB were in desperate need of a favour from MI as DC's win would have sent them packing from the tournament. Also Read: IPL 2022 playoffs: Qualifiers, Eliminator - Schedule, dates, and venues Asked to bat first in the game, DC rode on Rovman Powell's 43 and captain Rishabh Pant's 39 off 33 balls t post a fighting total of 159 runs on the board. DC bowlers got their team off to a good start with the ball during MI's run chase but Tim David's sensational cameo of 11-ball 34 saw Mumbai get over the line with 5 balls to spare. With the help of MI, RCB have now qualified for the playoffs for the third season in a row in the IPL and will be hoping to go the distance under skipper Du Plessis this season.

'Thank you Mumbai': Kohli, Du Plessis & others go berserk as MI help RCB qualify for IPL 2022 playoffs - WATCH

It has been a disappointing season for Virat Kohli with the bat as he has failed to score big in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Kohli went into the match against Gujarat Titans on Friday with just 236 runs in 13 matches, but he was able to keep his calm to score his half century in 33 balls and then went on to slam 73 runs in 54 balls. It was a welcome knock for the superstar batter after a lot of struggles and it earned a lot of praise from Indian cricket team legend Sachin Tendulkar.

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“I liked the positive attitude shown by the Bangalore batters. Virat took the initiative and he started attacking. In this match, I liked one thing in particular, and that was the precision in his footwork and, as they say, showing the face of the bat. It was visible and I liked that. Both batters are fit, and their running between the wicket is brilliant,” said Tendulkar in a video on his YouTube channel.

Kohli has struggled for form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and with three golden ducks, this has been the worst edition for the former RCB skipper. But his fifty could not have come at a better time as he guided his team to victory and very close to reaching the playoff stages.

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Kohli stitched together a 115-run partnership with Faf du Plessis for the opening wicket to chase down the total posted by Gujarat Titans and to take RCB to 16 points from 14 encounters.

It has been a disappointing season for Virat Kohli with the bat as he has failed to score big in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Kohli went into the match against Gujarat Titans on Friday with just 236 runs in 13 matches, but he was able to keep his calm to score his half century in 33 balls and then went on to slam 73 runs in 54 balls.

It has been a disappointing season for Virat Kohli with the bat as he has failed to score big in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Kohli went into the match against Gujarat Titans on Friday with just 236 runs in 13 matches, but he was able to keep his calm to score his half century in 33 balls and then went on to slam 73 runs in 54 balls. It was a welcome knock for the superstar batter after a lot of struggles and it earned a lot of praise from Indian cricket team legend Sachin Tendulkar. Also read | 'Hope USD doesn't break my 210 runs record': Pakistan batter takes a dig at economic situation of his country “I liked the positive attitude shown by the Bangalore batters. Virat took the initiative and he started attacking. In this match, I liked one thing in particular, and that was the precision in his footwork and, as they say, showing the face of the bat. It was visible and I liked that. Both batters are fit, and their running between the wicket is brilliant,” said Tendulkar in a video on his YouTube channel. Kohli has struggled for form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and with three golden ducks, this has been the worst edition for the former RCB skipper. But his fifty could not have come at a better time as he guided his team to victory and very close to reaching the playoff stages. Also read | IPL 2022: Fan breaches security to meet MS Dhoni during RR vs CSK match - WATCH Kohli stitched together a 115-run partnership with Faf du Plessis for the opening wicket to chase down the total posted by Gujarat Titans and to take RCB to 16 points from 14 encounters.

'I liked the positive attitude': Sachin Tendulkar heaps praises on Virat Kohli after half century against GT

It is extremely rare to see cricketers supporting some other franchise in the Indian Premier League but with the playoff hopes in the balance, Mumbai Indians will be enjoying the support of all Royal Challengers Bangalore players and fans as they take on Delhi Capitals on Saturday. RCB are currently in fourth position with 16 points and a win for MI will mean that DC will manage only 14 points. But a win for DC will effectively end the rate because of the high net run rate for Rishabh Pant &amp; Co.

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RCB skipper Faf du Plessis and star batsman Virat Kohli made it clear that after they will be cheering Mumbai Indians in the game and also backed skipper Rohit Sharma to perform for his side.

"There are a couple of blue hats floating around our dressing room for the next couple of days. I am banking on Rohit (Sharma) to go big," Faf said in an interview after RCB's win over Gujarat Titans.

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"We have two more supporters for Mumbai Indians on the 21st, not just two, I think 25 more supporters," Kohli, who scored a fifty, said while speaking to Faf after the game.

It was a welcome half century for Kohli who stitched together a 115-run stand with Faf for the opening wicket to make life easy for RCB against Gujarat Titans. Maxwell played a quickfire 18-ball-40 later in the match as RCB won their final game of the group stages. Earlier, Josh Hazlewood took two wickets to restrict GT to 168/5 in 20 overs despite Hardik Pandya’s fighting half century.

It is extremely rare to see cricketers supporting some other franchise in the Indian Premier League but with the playoff hopes in the balance, Mumbai Indians will be enjoying the support of all Royal Challengers Bangalore players and fans as they take on Delhi Capitals on Saturday.

It is extremely rare to see cricketers supporting some other franchise in the Indian Premier League but with the playoff hopes in the balance, Mumbai Indians will be enjoying the support of all Royal Challengers Bangalore players and fans as they take on Delhi Capitals on Saturday. RCB are currently in fourth position with 16 points and a win for MI will mean that DC will manage only 14 points. But a win for DC will effectively end the rate because of the high net run rate for Rishabh Pant & Co. Also read | IPL 2022: Fan breaches security to meet Dhoni during RR vs CSK match - WATCH RCB skipper Faf du Plessis and star batsman Virat Kohli made it clear that after they will be cheering Mumbai Indians in the game and also backed skipper Rohit Sharma to perform for his side. "There are a couple of blue hats floating around our dressing room for the next couple of days. I am banking on Rohit (Sharma) to go big," Faf said in an interview after RCB's win over Gujarat Titans. Also read | Kohli hints at taking a break from cricket amid poor form, will talk to Dravid "We have two more supporters for Mumbai Indians on the 21st, not just two, I think 25 more supporters," Kohli, who scored a fifty, said while speaking to Faf after the game. It was a welcome half century for Kohli who stitched together a 115-run stand with Faf for the opening wicket to make life easy for RCB against Gujarat Titans. Maxwell played a quickfire 18-ball-40 later in the match as RCB won their final game of the group stages. Earlier, Josh Hazlewood took two wickets to restrict GT to 168/5 in 20 overs despite Hardik Pandya’s fighting half century.

IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli cheer for MI ahead of crucial match against DC

Much to the delight of many Indian cricket fans, Virat Kohli finally returned to form in match 67 of IPL 2022 edition, on Thursday evening (May 19). With Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) being in a must-win scenario when they locked horns with the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) -- with the remaining fourth playoffs spot on the line -- Kohli rose to the occasion and contributed with a chancy 73 (54) to help RCB chase down 169 with eight wickets to spare.

Kohli was lucky with quite a few inside edges going for a four and he was also given a repreive, however, he battled past everything to score only his second half-century of the season and take RCB closer to the playoffs. After his match-winning performance, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh advised Kohli to continue playing in his expressive way -- as he was celebrating his runs versus GT and looking at his chirpy best -- in the coming games (i.e. if RCB progress to the playoffs).

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"He (Kolhi) fought today and in an interesting fashion. He was enjoying as well. These moments were missing for a long time, his bat was hitting the ball but he was finding the fielders, he was getting run out, there was a close shave today, a catch was dropped in the deep but that didn't stop his attitude,” said Harbhajan on Star Sports.

“He kept on searching fours, the day he searches fours, Virat Kohli's attitude is like this, attacking mode. He is that type of a player, whether a four is hit from the other end or he hits one, he is an expressive player and should play like this only,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-updated-points-table-royal-challengers-bangalore-move-to-4th-spot-with-easy-win-over-gujarat-titans-480528">IPL 2022 updated points table: Royal Challengers Bangalore move to 4th spot with easy win over Gujarat Titans</a>

After GT opted to bat first, they rode on Wriddhiman Saha's 31, skipper Hardik's 62 and Rashid Khan's 6-ball 19* to post 168-5. In reply, RCB chased down the target with eight wickets, and equal number of balls to spare, with Kohli, captain Faf du Plessis (44) and Glenn Maxwell (18-ball 40*) leading the charge.

The three-time runners-up will now hope for Delhi Capitals (DC)' loss versus Mumbai Indians (MI) for them to book the remaining fourth playoffs spot.

Much to the delight of many Indian cricket fans, Virat Kohli finally returned to form in match 67 of IPL 2022 edition, on Thursday evening (May 19). With Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) being in a must-win scenario when they locked horns with the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) -- with the remaining fourth playoffs spot on the line -- Kohli rose to the occasion and contributed with a chancy 73 (54) to help RCB chase down 169 with eight wickets to spare.

Much to the delight of many Indian cricket fans, Virat Kohli finally returned to form in match 67 of IPL 2022 edition, on Thursday evening (May 19). With Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) being in a must-win scenario when they locked horns with the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) -- with the remaining fourth playoffs spot on the line -- Kohli rose to the occasion and contributed with a chancy 73 (54) to help RCB chase down 169 with eight wickets to spare. Kohli was lucky with quite a few inside edges going for a four and he was also given a repreive, however, he battled past everything to score only his second half-century of the season and take RCB closer to the playoffs. After his match-winning performance, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh advised Kohli to continue playing in his expressive way -- as he was celebrating his runs versus GT and looking at his chirpy best -- in the coming games (i.e. if RCB progress to the playoffs). ALSO READ | CSK vs RR, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match? "He (Kolhi) fought today and in an interesting fashion. He was enjoying as well. These moments were missing for a long time, his bat was hitting the ball but he was finding the fielders, he was getting run out, there was a close shave today, a catch was dropped in the deep but that didn't stop his attitude,” said Harbhajan on Star Sports. “He kept on searching fours, the day he searches fours, Virat Kohli's attitude is like this, attacking mode. He is that type of a player, whether a four is hit from the other end or he hits one, he is an expressive player and should play like this only,” he added. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 updated points table: Royal Challengers Bangalore move to 4th spot with easy win over Gujarat Titans After GT opted to bat first, they rode on Wriddhiman Saha's 31, skipper Hardik's 62 and Rashid Khan's 6-ball 19* to post 168-5. In reply, RCB chased down the target with eight wickets, and equal number of balls to spare, with Kohli, captain Faf du Plessis (44) and Glenn Maxwell (18-ball 40*) leading the charge. The three-time runners-up will now hope for Delhi Capitals (DC)' loss versus Mumbai Indians (MI) for them to book the remaining fourth playoffs spot.

'He is an expressive player and should play like this' - Harbhajan Singh on Virat Kohli's 73 in RCB-GT tie

A fired-up Virat Kohli roared back to form with a fine half-century as Royal Challengers Bangalore stayed alive in the IPL playoff race with a thumping eight-wicket win over table-toppers Gujarat Titans here on Thursday. This was after skipper Hardik Pandya scored a gritty 47-ball 62 to lift GT to a competitive 168 for five after opting to bat. Kohli (73 off 54) and captain Faf du Plessis (44 off 38) shared a match-winning 115-run opening stand before Glenn Maxwell (40 not out off 18) went ballistic to ensure the team got home in 18.4 overs.

By virtue of this win, RCB moved to fourth place in the standings with 16 points but will have to wait for the Delhi Capitals-Mumbai Indians game on Saturday to know their fate. A loss for Delhi would ensure RCB a play-off berth. As the 'Kohli Kohli' chants suggested, the whole of Wankhede and probably the country wanted to see the former India captain back amongst the runs and with a little bit of luck going his way, he was back playing the shots he is known for. When Kohli picked Mohammed Shami for two lofted boundaries over the bowler's head and cover in the third over, it looked like it would be his night. His next four was a streaky one-off Hardik who bowled with the new ball.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-updated-points-table-royal-challengers-bangalore-move-to-4th-spot-with-easy-win-over-gujarat-titans-480528">IPL 2022 updated points table: Royal Challengers Bangalore move to 4th spot with easy win over Gujarat Titans</a>

The very next ball, Kohli was at his animated best as he whipped Hardik towards square leg with Rashid Khan missing a tough chance in the deep. A sign of his growing confidence was an aerial straight drive off Rashid. Kohli was quick on his feet both against Rashid as well as the pacers. The Indian superstar brought up his second fifty of the season by whipping a full ball off Rashid over deep midwicket. With Kohli on song, Du Plessis played his part perfectly and kept rotating the strike besides an odd boundary. After the captain's dismissal, Maxwell joined Kohli and went ballistic from ball one.

The Australian's cameo included a reverse scoop shot off Hardik that went all the way. After collecting his second six off Rashid, Kohli tried one too many and got stumped in the 17th over but the job had been well and truly done by then. Earlier, Hardik lifted GT to a competitive total. Coming into the game with a string of low scores, he warmed up nicely for the play-offs with a well-crafted fifty even though he was not at his fluent best. RCB limited GT to 72 for three in 10 overs, largely due to their brilliance in the field despite Wriddhiman Saha's (31 off 22) threatening stay in the middle.

Saha provided another brisk start with some clean hitting but his opening partner Shubman Gill perished cheaply. The right-hander poked at a good length ball and Maxwell, standing at a widish first slip, plucked a stunning one-handed catch diving to his right. Matthew Wade, who has not been at his explosive best in the IPL, fell to a controversial call which also attracted empathy from Kohli. Wade was sure that he had edged a sweep shot off Maxwell and took no time in reviewing the on-field decision, which was out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gt-vs-rcb-matthew-wade-goes-bonkers-throws-helmet-and-smashes-bat-after-controversial-dismissal-watch-480503">GT vs RCB: Matthew Wade goes bonkers, throws helmet and smashes bat after controversial dismissal - WATCH</a>

However, despite a clear deviation in the ball's trajectory before it thudded onto the pads, the UltraEdge did not detect it and the TV umpire stayed with the on-field umpire's call. Wade had no choice but to grudgingly walk back into the dugout. Saha, who hit four boundaries and a six, had Hardik for company in the middle but following a mix-up with his captain, the wicketkeeper fell way short of his crease when Du Plessis came up with a stunning direct hit from mid-off.

Hardik, who was dropped on 14, made it count alongside David Miller (34 off 25), who continued his impressive run in the tournament. Miller smashed three sixes before Wanindu Hasaranga got rid of him with a sharp return catch. Rashid (19 not out off six) joined Hardik in the death overs and did what he has done over the course of the season. The leg-spinner whacked couple of sixes towards the end to push the total past 160.

A fired-up Virat Kohli roared back to form with a fine half-century as Royal Challengers Bangalore stayed alive in the IPL playoff race with a thumping eight-wicket win over table-toppers Gujarat Titans here on Thursday.

A fired-up Virat Kohli roared back to form with a fine half-century as Royal Challengers Bangalore stayed alive in the IPL playoff race with a thumping eight-wicket win over table-toppers Gujarat Titans here on Thursday. This was after skipper Hardik Pandya scored a gritty 47-ball 62 to lift GT to a competitive 168 for five after opting to bat. Kohli (73 off 54) and captain Faf du Plessis (44 off 38) shared a match-winning 115-run opening stand before Glenn Maxwell (40 not out off 18) went ballistic to ensure the team got home in 18.4 overs. By virtue of this win, RCB moved to fourth place in the standings with 16 points but will have to wait for the Delhi Capitals-Mumbai Indians game on Saturday to know their fate. A loss for Delhi would ensure RCB a play-off berth. As the 'Kohli Kohli' chants suggested, the whole of Wankhede and probably the country wanted to see the former India captain back amongst the runs and with a little bit of luck going his way, he was back playing the shots he is known for. When Kohli picked Mohammed Shami for two lofted boundaries over the bowler's head and cover in the third over, it looked like it would be his night. His next four was a streaky one-off Hardik who bowled with the new ball. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 updated points table: Royal Challengers Bangalore move to 4th spot with easy win over Gujarat Titans The very next ball, Kohli was at his animated best as he whipped Hardik towards square leg with Rashid Khan missing a tough chance in the deep. A sign of his growing confidence was an aerial straight drive off Rashid. Kohli was quick on his feet both against Rashid as well as the pacers. The Indian superstar brought up his second fifty of the season by whipping a full ball off Rashid over deep midwicket. With Kohli on song, Du Plessis played his part perfectly and kept rotating the strike besides an odd boundary. After the captain's dismissal, Maxwell joined Kohli and went ballistic from ball one. The Australian's cameo included a reverse scoop shot off Hardik that went all the way. After collecting his second six off Rashid, Kohli tried one too many and got stumped in the 17th over but the job had been well and truly done by then. Earlier, Hardik lifted GT to a competitive total. Coming into the game with a string of low scores, he warmed up nicely for the play-offs with a well-crafted fifty even though he was not at his fluent best. RCB limited GT to 72 for three in 10 overs, largely due to their brilliance in the field despite Wriddhiman Saha's (31 off 22) threatening stay in the middle. Saha provided another brisk start with some clean hitting but his opening partner Shubman Gill perished cheaply. The right-hander poked at a good length ball and Maxwell, standing at a widish first slip, plucked a stunning one-handed catch diving to his right. Matthew Wade, who has not been at his explosive best in the IPL, fell to a controversial call which also attracted empathy from Kohli. Wade was sure that he had edged a sweep shot off Maxwell and took no time in reviewing the on-field decision, which was out. ALSO READ | GT vs RCB: Matthew Wade goes bonkers, throws helmet and smashes bat after controversial dismissal - WATCH However, despite a clear deviation in the ball's trajectory before it thudded onto the pads, the UltraEdge did not detect it and the TV umpire stayed with the on-field umpire's call. Wade had no choice but to grudgingly walk back into the dugout. Saha, who hit four boundaries and a six, had Hardik for company in the middle but following a mix-up with his captain, the wicketkeeper fell way short of his crease when Du Plessis came up with a stunning direct hit from mid-off. Hardik, who was dropped on 14, made it count alongside David Miller (34 off 25), who continued his impressive run in the tournament. Miller smashed three sixes before Wanindu Hasaranga got rid of him with a sharp return catch. Rashid (19 not out off six) joined Hardik in the death overs and did what he has done over the course of the season. The leg-spinner whacked couple of sixes towards the end to push the total past 160.

IPL 2022: Virat Kohli roars back to form as RCB beat GT by 8 wickets to remain in playoffs race

The Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locked horns with the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Thursday evening (May 19). In what was a must-win tie for the three-time runners-up RCB, the Bengaluru-based franchise didn't disappoint their fans as Virat Kohli's 73 and Josh Hazlewood's twin strikes propelled the side to an easy eight-wicket win over Hardik Pandya &amp; Co.&nbsp;

With this win, RCB not only end their league stage with a bang but more importantly, they remain in the playoffs race by&nbsp;getting to 16 points. Nonetheless, the win doesn't guarantee them the remaining fourth playoffs spot as their closest rival Delhi Capitals (DC) can also get to the same number of points with one game left. Also, DC's NRR is still positive whereas despite&nbsp;RCB's massive win,&nbsp;Faf &amp; Co.'s NRR is in the negative.&nbsp;

Here's the IPL 2022 Updated Points Table after RCB beat GT:

<img alt="Updated Points Table RCB-GT clash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8231f3a-3300-46a4-943a-1ac5cf3aee11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Updated%20Points%20Table%20RCB-GT%20clash_0.png" />

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gt-vs-rcb-matthew-wade-goes-bonkers-throws-helmet-and-smashes-bat-after-controversial-dismissal-watch-480503">GT vs RCB: Matthew Wade goes bonkers, throws helmet and smashes bat after controversial dismissal - WATCH</a>

Talking about the contest, Hardik-led Gujarat opted to bat first as they wanted to defend&nbsp;ahead of the Qualifier 1, which will be held on May 23 (Tuesday). After Wriddhiman Saha's departure (31), Gujarat found some rhythm&nbsp;via Hardik-David Miller's fifth-wicket stand but&nbsp;the skipper's unbeaten 62&nbsp;and Rashid Khan's 6-ball 19 not out took GT to 168/5. In reply, Virat Kohli roared back to form with a chancy 73 and was well supported by Faf (44) and Glenn Maxwell's 18-ball 40* as RCB closed the chase without dropping much sweat.

The Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locked horns with the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Thursday evening (May 19).

The Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locked horns with the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Thursday evening (May 19). In what was a must-win tie for the three-time runners-up RCB, the Bengaluru-based franchise didn't disappoint their fans as Virat Kohli's 73 and Josh Hazlewood's twin strikes propelled the side to an easy eight-wicket win over Hardik Pandya & Co. With this win, RCB not only end their league stage with a bang but more importantly, they remain in the playoffs race by getting to 16 points. Nonetheless, the win doesn't guarantee them the remaining fourth playoffs spot as their closest rival Delhi Capitals (DC) can also get to the same number of points with one game left. Also, DC's NRR is still positive whereas despite RCB's massive win, Faf & Co.'s NRR is in the negative. Here's the IPL 2022 Updated Points Table after RCB beat GT: ALSO READ | GT vs RCB: Matthew Wade goes bonkers, throws helmet and smashes bat after controversial dismissal - WATCH Talking about the contest, Hardik-led Gujarat opted to bat first as they wanted to defend ahead of the Qualifier 1, which will be held on May 23 (Tuesday). After Wriddhiman Saha's departure (31), Gujarat found some rhythm via Hardik-David Miller's fifth-wicket stand but the skipper's unbeaten 62 and Rashid Khan's 6-ball 19 not out took GT to 168/5. In reply, Virat Kohli roared back to form with a chancy 73 and was well supported by Faf (44) and Glenn Maxwell's 18-ball 40* as RCB closed the chase without dropping much sweat.

IPL 2022 updated points table: Royal Challengers Bangalore move to 4th spot with easy win over Gujarat Titans

The first half of match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition&nbsp;between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) saw a huge controversy when Aussie left-hander Matthew Wade was given out in a debatable manner. The swashbuckling left-hander hasn't had a great run in the 15th season and, hence, he was desperato to break the shakles and go big versus the RCB before the playoffs.

Coming out to bat at No. 3, after the dismissal of Shubman Gill, Wade looked in good touch as he got a start and was on 16 off 12 deliveries. However, in the sixth over, Wade went for a sweep off Glenn Maxwell but missed the line of the ball and while it seemed he had got an edge onto the pad, the umpire gave him out. Nonetheless, Wade looked confident and took the decision upstairs which led to a shocker for him.&nbsp;

Interestingly, UltraEdge showed no spike as it passed the bat and the ball tracking showed the ball hitting the middle and off stump. Thus, the decision stayed as Wade was livid and made the long walk back to the pavillion furiously. The 34-year-old vented out his frustation as he entered the dressing room, throwing his helmet and smashing his bat on several&nbsp;occasions. Here's the video:

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Angry Matthew Wade.. 
 
Tod fod diya BAT ko<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvGT</a> <a href="https://t.co/MBeLg5vDSr">pic.twitter.com/MBeLg5vDSr</a>
— KATTAR VIRAT BHAKT × TIGER 🚩 (@AbinashTiwari_1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbinashTiwari_1/status/1527297962203762691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-virat-kohli-on-verge-of-achieving-major-milestone-as-rcb-face-gt-in-a-must-win-tie-480386">IPL 2022: Virat Kohli on verge of achieving major milestone as RCB face GT in a must-win tie</a>

After his dismissal, Gujarat also lost in-form opener Wriddhiman Saha (31) before skipper Hardik's 47-ball 62* and vice-captain Rashid Khan's 6-ball 19 not out propelled the team total to 168-5. RCB need to win at any cost but still won't have guaranteed a spot in the playoffs as they will have to wait for other results. GT, on the other hand, are assured of a top-spot finish.

The first half of match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) saw a huge controversy when Aussie left-hander Matthew Wade was given out in a debatable manner.

The first half of match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) saw a huge controversy when Aussie left-hander Matthew Wade was given out in a debatable manner. The swashbuckling left-hander hasn't had a great run in the 15th season and, hence, he was desperato to break the shakles and go big versus the RCB before the playoffs. Coming out to bat at No. 3, after the dismissal of Shubman Gill, Wade looked in good touch as he got a start and was on 16 off 12 deliveries. However, in the sixth over, Wade went for a sweep off Glenn Maxwell but missed the line of the ball and while it seemed he had got an edge onto the pad, the umpire gave him out. Nonetheless, Wade looked confident and took the decision upstairs which led to a shocker for him. Interestingly, UltraEdge showed no spike as it passed the bat and the ball tracking showed the ball hitting the middle and off stump. Thus, the decision stayed as Wade was livid and made the long walk back to the pavillion furiously. The 34-year-old vented out his frustation as he entered the dressing room, throwing his helmet and smashing his bat on several occasions. Here's the video: Angry Matthew Wade.. Tod fod diya BAT ko#RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/MBeLg5vDSr — KATTAR VIRAT BHAKT × TIGER 🚩 (@AbinashTiwari_1) May 19, 2022 × ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Virat Kohli on verge of achieving major milestone as RCB face GT in a must-win tie After his dismissal, Gujarat also lost in-form opener Wriddhiman Saha (31) before skipper Hardik's 47-ball 62* and vice-captain Rashid Khan's 6-ball 19 not out propelled the team total to 168-5. RCB need to win at any cost but still won't have guaranteed a spot in the playoffs as they will have to wait for other results. GT, on the other hand, are assured of a top-spot finish.

GT vs RCB: Matthew Wade goes bonkers, throws helmet and smashes bat after controversial dismissal - WATCH

Match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition will see the three-time runners-up Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday evening (May 19).&nbsp;

A lot is at stake for the RCB franchise as they gear up to face Hardik Pandya &amp; Co., who have assured themselves of a top-two finish. While Gujarat might want to experiment, even though the Qualifier 1 is quite a few&nbsp;days away (i.e. on May 23), the Virat Kohli-starrer need to put their best foot forward to give themselves a good chance to enter the playoffs. So far, RCB have 14 points from 13 games. While a win will do them a world of good, it won't guarantee them the remaining&nbsp;fourth spot as Delhi Capitals (DC) also have the same points and with a positive NRR (+0.255). RCB's NRR is -0.323. Thus, to beat GT and also convincingly will be a stern task for the inconsistent franchise.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-virat-kohli-on-verge-of-achieving-major-milestone-as-rcb-face-gt-in-a-must-win-tie-480386">IPL 2022: Virat Kohli on verge of achieving major milestone as RCB face GT in a must-win tie</a>

The last time both sides faced each other, i.e. their first-ever face-off, it saw the GT franchise chase down a competitive 171-run target, at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, courtesy of contributions from Wriddhiman Saha, Sai Sudharshan and finishing knocks from David Miller-Rahul Tewatia. While it will be interesting to see if GT tinker with their playing XI, which they haven't despite confirming a playoffs spot few matches ago, RCB will rely on Faf, Virat and Glenn Maxwell along with handy contributions from Dinesh Karthik, Rajat Patidar and Shahbaz Ahmed. In the bowling department, they have Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga to deliver the goods.

Match prediction for RCB vs GT clash:&nbsp;Chasing, some high-scoring affairs and a spongy&nbsp;bounce have been the main features of the Wankhede. Expect the chasing team to emerge on top despite the last match at this venue seeing the side batting first win by a whisker.

Match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition will see the three-time runners-up Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday evening (May 19).

Match 67 of the IPL 2022 edition will see the three-time runners-up Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face the table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday evening (May 19). A lot is at stake for the RCB franchise as they gear up to face Hardik Pandya & Co., who have assured themselves of a top-two finish. While Gujarat might want to experiment, even though the Qualifier 1 is quite a few days away (i.e. on May 23), the Virat Kohli-starrer need to put their best foot forward to give themselves a good chance to enter the playoffs. So far, RCB have 14 points from 13 games. While a win will do them a world of good, it won't guarantee them the remaining fourth spot as Delhi Capitals (DC) also have the same points and with a positive NRR (+0.255). RCB's NRR is -0.323. Thus, to beat GT and also convincingly will be a stern task for the inconsistent franchise. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Virat Kohli on verge of achieving major milestone as RCB face GT in a must-win tie The last time both sides faced each other, i.e. their first-ever face-off, it saw the GT franchise chase down a competitive 171-run target, at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, courtesy of contributions from Wriddhiman Saha, Sai Sudharshan and finishing knocks from David Miller-Rahul Tewatia. While it will be interesting to see if GT tinker with their playing XI, which they haven't despite confirming a playoffs spot few matches ago, RCB will rely on Faf, Virat and Glenn Maxwell along with handy contributions from Dinesh Karthik, Rajat Patidar and Shahbaz Ahmed. In the bowling department, they have Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga to deliver the goods. Match prediction for RCB vs GT clash: Chasing, some high-scoring affairs and a spongy bounce have been the main features of the Wankhede. Expect the chasing team to emerge on top despite the last match at this venue seeing the side batting first win by a whisker.

RCB vs GT, IPL 2022 today match prediction: Who will win Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans clash?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) superstar Virat Kohli has had a forgetful campaign so far in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Kohli has struggled to churn out runs consistently for his side as RCB lie on the verge of missing out on a spot in the playoffs despite coming close.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) thrashed RCB by 54 runs at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Friday (May 13) as Kohli's shambolic run with the bat continued. It was a crucial game for the Faf du Plessis-led side, who are currently at the fourth spot on the points table with 14 points from 13 matches.

A win against PBKS would have taken them closer to a spot in the playoffs, however, now they stand on the verge of missing out if they lose their last league game. It was yet another disappointing display from the RCB batters, who failed to chase down the target of 210 runs and were bundled out for 155 runs.

Opening the batting with Du Plessis, Kohli managed to get off to a good start as he scored 20 runs with the help of two fours and a solitary six. However, he was sent packing by Kagiso Rabada in the 4th over after being caught by Rahul Chahar. Kohli has failed to fire with the bat so far this season as he has only managed 236 runs in 13 games at a disappointing average of 19.67.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkars-multiverse-of-madness-post-with-cricket-legends-breaks-the-internet-478820">Sachin Tendulkar's 'Multiverse of Madness' post with cricket legends breaks the internet</a>

Speaking about Kohli's horror run in IPL 2022, RCB skipper Du Plessis said the RCB star has now started seeing the funnier side of things as he is getting out in every possible way that one can. Du Plessis said Kohli has been working hard on his game and backed him to bounce back soon.

"He (Kohli) is seeing the lighter side of it, every single way that you can possibly get out, is happening to him. That's how the game works," Du Plessis said after RCB's loss to PBKS.

"All you can do is to keep trying hard, work hard and stay positive. He played some good shots tonight, obviously would want him to carry on. Bad patches happen to all of us, he's taken it in the right note," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-can-come-in-at-no-6-or-7-sunil-gavaskar-picks-dinesh-karthik-as-indias-finisher-for-t20-world-cup-478720">'He can come in at No. 6 or 7' - Sunil Gavaskar picks Dinesh Karthik as India's finisher for T20 World Cup</a>

RCB are now in a must-win situation for their final league game against table-toppers Gujarat Titans. A loss against Hardik Pandya's men can all but end their hopes of making it to the playoffs this season. RCB have so far managed 7 wins and six defeats in the tournament this year.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) superstar Virat Kohli has had a forgetful campaign so far in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Kohli has struggled to churn out runs consistently for his side as RCB lie on the verge of missing out on a spot in the playoffs despite coming close.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) superstar Virat Kohli has had a forgetful campaign so far in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Kohli has struggled to churn out runs consistently for his side as RCB lie on the verge of missing out on a spot in the playoffs despite coming close. Punjab Kings (PBKS) thrashed RCB by 54 runs at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Friday (May 13) as Kohli's shambolic run with the bat continued. It was a crucial game for the Faf du Plessis-led side, who are currently at the fourth spot on the points table with 14 points from 13 matches. A win against PBKS would have taken them closer to a spot in the playoffs, however, now they stand on the verge of missing out if they lose their last league game. It was yet another disappointing display from the RCB batters, who failed to chase down the target of 210 runs and were bundled out for 155 runs. Opening the batting with Du Plessis, Kohli managed to get off to a good start as he scored 20 runs with the help of two fours and a solitary six. However, he was sent packing by Kagiso Rabada in the 4th over after being caught by Rahul Chahar. Kohli has failed to fire with the bat so far this season as he has only managed 236 runs in 13 games at a disappointing average of 19.67. Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar's 'Multiverse of Madness' post with cricket legends breaks the internet Speaking about Kohli's horror run in IPL 2022, RCB skipper Du Plessis said the RCB star has now started seeing the funnier side of things as he is getting out in every possible way that one can. Du Plessis said Kohli has been working hard on his game and backed him to bounce back soon. "He (Kohli) is seeing the lighter side of it, every single way that you can possibly get out, is happening to him. That's how the game works," Du Plessis said after RCB's loss to PBKS. "All you can do is to keep trying hard, work hard and stay positive. He played some good shots tonight, obviously would want him to carry on. Bad patches happen to all of us, he's taken it in the right note," he added. Also Read: 'He can come in at No. 6 or 7' - Sunil Gavaskar picks Dinesh Karthik as India's finisher for T20 World Cup RCB are now in a must-win situation for their final league game against table-toppers Gujarat Titans. A loss against Hardik Pandya's men can all but end their hopes of making it to the playoffs this season. RCB have so far managed 7 wins and six defeats in the tournament this year.

Virat Kohli is getting dismissed every single way that you can possibly get out: Faf du Plessis

Match 60 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the three-time runners-up Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face the Mayank Agarwal-led Punjab Kings (PBKS). While a win would've taken RCB closer to the playoffs, they lost by a whopping 54-run margin in pursuit of a mammoth 210 as Punjab remain alive in the playoffs race.&nbsp;

Winning the toss, Fafd &amp; Co. invited the Punjab XI to bat first at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. The Punjab outfit were off to an electrifying start as Englishman Jonny Bairstow went bonkers from the word go. Shikhar Dhawan also contributed as the duo's 50-run stand came in no time. Josh Hazlewood, RCB's premier pacer this season, was hammered left, right and center as Punjab made full use of the powerplay overs. While Bhanuka Rajapaksha fell early, Bairstow was joined by Liam Livingstone, who anchored the innings after the former's dismissal for an impressive 29-ball 66. The middle overs have been the Achilles heel for Punjab as their batters tend to slow down and the same was witnessed Friday evening (May 13) but Livingstone's well-crafted 42-ball 70 propelled the one-time runners-up to 209/9 despite Wanindu Hasaranga's 2 for 15 and Harshal Patel's 4 for 34.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-resorts-to-ms-dhonis-famous-catchphrase-when-asked-about-csk-skippers-ipl-future-478682">Sunil Gavaskar resorts to MS Dhoni's famous catchphrase when asked about CSK skipper's IPL future&nbsp;</a>

In reply, RCB were never in the run-chase. Virat Kohli came out to bat with a positive intent in a bid to move past his sluggish form. While he got a start, he soon perished off Kagiso Rabada's well-executed short-pitched delivery. Faf couldn't trouble the scorers whereas&nbsp;none apart from Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell took Punjab bowlers to the cleaners. The duo's departure sealed the contest in favour of an inconsistent Punjab as Rabada's 3 for 21 and two scalps each from Rishi Dhawan-Rahul Chahar took Mayank &amp; Co. to an easy&nbsp;win to stay alive in the playoffs race. They now have 12 points from an equal number of encounters with a healthy NRR (+0.023) as they move up to the sixth position.&nbsp;

Match 60 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the three-time runners-up Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face the Mayank Agarwal-led Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Match 60 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the three-time runners-up Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face the Mayank Agarwal-led Punjab Kings (PBKS). While a win would've taken RCB closer to the playoffs, they lost by a whopping 54-run margin in pursuit of a mammoth 210 as Punjab remain alive in the playoffs race. Winning the toss, Fafd & Co. invited the Punjab XI to bat first at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. The Punjab outfit were off to an electrifying start as Englishman Jonny Bairstow went bonkers from the word go. Shikhar Dhawan also contributed as the duo's 50-run stand came in no time. Josh Hazlewood, RCB's premier pacer this season, was hammered left, right and center as Punjab made full use of the powerplay overs. While Bhanuka Rajapaksha fell early, Bairstow was joined by Liam Livingstone, who anchored the innings after the former's dismissal for an impressive 29-ball 66. The middle overs have been the Achilles heel for Punjab as their batters tend to slow down and the same was witnessed Friday evening (May 13) but Livingstone's well-crafted 42-ball 70 propelled the one-time runners-up to 209/9 despite Wanindu Hasaranga's 2 for 15 and Harshal Patel's 4 for 34. ALSO READ | Sunil Gavaskar resorts to MS Dhoni's famous catchphrase when asked about CSK skipper's IPL future In reply, RCB were never in the run-chase. Virat Kohli came out to bat with a positive intent in a bid to move past his sluggish form. While he got a start, he soon perished off Kagiso Rabada's well-executed short-pitched delivery. Faf couldn't trouble the scorers whereas none apart from Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell took Punjab bowlers to the cleaners. The duo's departure sealed the contest in favour of an inconsistent Punjab as Rabada's 3 for 21 and two scalps each from Rishi Dhawan-Rahul Chahar took Mayank & Co. to an easy win to stay alive in the playoffs race. They now have 12 points from an equal number of encounters with a healthy NRR (+0.023) as they move up to the sixth position.

IPL 2022: Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow & bowlers shine as PBKS beat RCB to remain alive in playoffs race

Match 60 of the IPL 2022 edition will see the three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday evening (May 13). It is a crucial game for both sides as one team will fight for survival as the other will like to get closer to the playoffs berth.

Talking about the Faf du Plessis-led RCB camp, the 2016 runners-up have 14 points from 12 games. They need a win in their remaining two fixtures but will be eager to get on a winning streak to ensure a top-two finish and also strengthen their chances of lifting their maiden title this season. While they had struggled for form just sometime back, Bengaluru have staged a comeback and are coming into this fixture on the back of two good wins, versus Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).&nbsp;

On the other hand, the inconsistent Punjab unit are coming into this game with a defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a high-scoring affair. The one-time runners-up continue to blow hot and cold this season as well with their batting combination still not looking settled whereas their bowlers have leaked runs in the middle overs. Nonetheless, they enjoy turning up against RCB, against whom they have a 16-13 head-to-head tally and have won four out of the five games since 2020.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-playoffs-qualification-scenario-explained-heres-how-7-teams-remain-in-fray-for-3-spots-478603">IPL 2022 playoffs qualification scenario: EXPLAINED! Here's how 7 teams remain in fray for 3 spots</a>

Match prediction for Punjab vs Bengaluru:&nbsp;This will be the first game at Brabourne since the Mumbai Indians (MI)-Gujarat Titans (GT) clash, on May 06. A fresh surface is expected to be used and, hence, batters might flex their muscles with favourable conditions. Expect a 175-plus contest with Punjab to continue its dominance over RCB.

Match 60 of the IPL 2022 edition will see the three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday evening (May 13).

Match 60 of the IPL 2022 edition will see the three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday evening (May 13). It is a crucial game for both sides as one team will fight for survival as the other will like to get closer to the playoffs berth. Talking about the Faf du Plessis-led RCB camp, the 2016 runners-up have 14 points from 12 games. They need a win in their remaining two fixtures but will be eager to get on a winning streak to ensure a top-two finish and also strengthen their chances of lifting their maiden title this season. While they had struggled for form just sometime back, Bengaluru have staged a comeback and are coming into this fixture on the back of two good wins, versus Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). On the other hand, the inconsistent Punjab unit are coming into this game with a defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a high-scoring affair. The one-time runners-up continue to blow hot and cold this season as well with their batting combination still not looking settled whereas their bowlers have leaked runs in the middle overs. Nonetheless, they enjoy turning up against RCB, against whom they have a 16-13 head-to-head tally and have won four out of the five games since 2020. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 playoffs qualification scenario: EXPLAINED! Here's how 7 teams remain in fray for 3 spots Match prediction for Punjab vs Bengaluru: This will be the first game at Brabourne since the Mumbai Indians (MI)-Gujarat Titans (GT) clash, on May 06. A fresh surface is expected to be used and, hence, batters might flex their muscles with favourable conditions. Expect a 175-plus contest with Punjab to continue its dominance over RCB.

PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore match?

Virat Kohli is an extremely popular cricketer worldwide. Despite debuting in 2008, he remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and is a darling of the masses. Recently, the 33-year-old revealed an incident where he went unnoticed and wasn't recognised among the crowd in a bakery in Bengaluru.

While Virat's popularity, especially in India, is second to none, he is a hearthrob of Bengaluru city due to his association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since IPL's inception, in 2008. Nonetheless, he recently went unrecognised in the city's popular bakery shop, post India's day-night Test versus Sri Lanka early this year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-realized-what-it-feels-like-to-be-helpless-virat-kohli-opens-up-on-his-poor-run-of-form-in-ipl-2022-478096">I realized what it feels like to be helpless: Virat Kohli opens up on his poor run of form in IPL 2022</a>

“It was the third day when the test match got over,” Kohli said in a RCB video. "Anushka has almost literally grown up in Bangalore and literally almost so many friends and so many memories from here. She loves Thom's bakery. As soon as we got back to the hotel, I thought, you know what? Anushka loves the puffs there. That's her most favourite thing to eat in Bangalore,” Kohli continued.

“I walked into Thom's bakery and I told the security to sit in the car. I had a mask on and I had a cap on and it was the best possible way to experience some normalcy and I promise you nobody noticed me at all, it was such a liberating feeling,” Kohli said beaming with joy in the video.

“People were buying their stuff and I got there. I went to the counter and that's when I actually got nervous. I had my credit card, I did not have cash,” he further&nbsp;revealed.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/does-he-say-the-same-for-rohit-sharma-matthew-hayden-on-ravi-shastri-advising-virat-kohli-to-take-a-break-477887">'Does he say the same for Rohit Sharma?': Matthew Hayden on Ravi Shastri advising Virat Kohli to take a break</a>

“I gave the guy my credit card and I thought, this is it, now I am gone. I actually had my security’s number on my phone ready to dial if something happens,” Kohli explained why he had panicked in the final moments of the process.

“That's when I realised the fame of that bakery. The guy there was so busy with his work, he did not care whose credit card it was. He swiped it, I signed it, I gave him the receipt, he stamped it and he did not even read who's name was written on it. I was like, wow, this was amazing, nobody recognised me at all,” added the batting maestro.

Virat is currently involved in IPL 2022, where he continues to represent the RCB franchise. Despite his low returns with the bat, managing only 216 runs in 12 games so far, the Faf du Plessis-led franchise is on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs. At present, they have 14 points from a dozen encounters.

Virat Kohli is an extremely popular cricketer worldwide. Despite debuting in 2008, he remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and is a darling of the masses. Recently, the 33-year-old revealed an incident where he went unnoticed and wasn't recognised among the crowd in a bakery in Bengaluru.

Virat Kohli is an extremely popular cricketer worldwide. Despite debuting in 2008, he remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and is a darling of the masses. Recently, the 33-year-old revealed an incident where he went unnoticed and wasn't recognised among the crowd in a bakery in Bengaluru. While Virat's popularity, especially in India, is second to none, he is a hearthrob of Bengaluru city due to his association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since IPL's inception, in 2008. Nonetheless, he recently went unrecognised in the city's popular bakery shop, post India's day-night Test versus Sri Lanka early this year. ALSO READ | I realized what it feels like to be helpless: Virat Kohli opens up on his poor run of form in IPL 2022 “It was the third day when the test match got over,” Kohli said in a RCB video. "Anushka has almost literally grown up in Bangalore and literally almost so many friends and so many memories from here. She loves Thom's bakery. As soon as we got back to the hotel, I thought, you know what? Anushka loves the puffs there. That's her most favourite thing to eat in Bangalore,” Kohli continued. “I walked into Thom's bakery and I told the security to sit in the car. I had a mask on and I had a cap on and it was the best possible way to experience some normalcy and I promise you nobody noticed me at all, it was such a liberating feeling,” Kohli said beaming with joy in the video. “People were buying their stuff and I got there. I went to the counter and that's when I actually got nervous. I had my credit card, I did not have cash,” he further revealed. ALSO READ | 'Does he say the same for Rohit Sharma?': Matthew Hayden on Ravi Shastri advising Virat Kohli to take a break “I gave the guy my credit card and I thought, this is it, now I am gone. I actually had my security’s number on my phone ready to dial if something happens,” Kohli explained why he had panicked in the final moments of the process. “That's when I realised the fame of that bakery. The guy there was so busy with his work, he did not care whose credit card it was. He swiped it, I signed it, I gave him the receipt, he stamped it and he did not even read who's name was written on it. I was like, wow, this was amazing, nobody recognised me at all,” added the batting maestro. Virat is currently involved in IPL 2022, where he continues to represent the RCB franchise. Despite his low returns with the bat, managing only 216 runs in 12 games so far, the Faf du Plessis-led franchise is on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs. At present, they have 14 points from a dozen encounters.

'Nobody noticed me' - Virat Kohli reveals an incident when he went unrecognised in Bengaluru

Virat Kohli had decided to step down as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last year following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in the UAE. RCB went on to rope in former CSK star Faf du Plessis at the mega auction this year and appointed him as the new captain of the franchise ahead of the ongoing IPL 2022.

Du Plessis, who had a terrific season with the bat for CSK last year, was the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2021 behind only his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad. He played an instrumental role in helping CSK win their fourth IPL title last year and has been brilliant for RCB as their captain this year.

Du Plessis has been scoring runs consistently as an opener and has also guided RCB to seven wins in 12 matches so far to help them enter the top four. RCB have two matches remaining in the season and have a healthy chance of making it to the playoffs.

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Kohli recently opened up on his equation with Du Plessis at the franchise and stated that he respected him as a captain. The former RCB skipper also went on to reveal how there have been instances when Du Plessis had refused a few suggestions from Kohli during matches.

"Me and Faf got along really well even before we played together this season. He was a captain of South Africa for a while. Faf is a guy who is very sure of himself and he has full authority," said Kohli in an interview shared on RCB's official social media handles.

"Sometimes I mention him things on field and he says 'No, I don't want to do that,' which I respect a lot because that obviously makes you gain respect for someone you are playing under," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-realized-what-it-feels-like-to-be-helpless-virat-kohli-opens-up-on-his-poor-run-of-form-in-ipl-2022-478096">I realized what it feels like to be helpless: Virat Kohli opens up on his poor run of form in IPL 2022</a>&nbsp;

Du Plessis is the highest run-getter for RCB so far this season with 389 runs in 12 matches at an impressive average of 35.36 and a strike rate of over 132. He has been leading from the front as far as his form with the bat is concerned and has bailed his team out of trouble on a couple of ocassions.

Kohli, on the other hand, has struggled to score runs consistently this season and has been enduring a rough patch. With two games remaining in the competition, RCB need at least one win to stand a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Virat Kohli had decided to step down as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last year following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in the UAE.

Virat Kohli had decided to step down as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last year following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in the UAE. RCB went on to rope in former CSK star Faf du Plessis at the mega auction this year and appointed him as the new captain of the franchise ahead of the ongoing IPL 2022. Du Plessis, who had a terrific season with the bat for CSK last year, was the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2021 behind only his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad. He played an instrumental role in helping CSK win their fourth IPL title last year and has been brilliant for RCB as their captain this year. Du Plessis has been scoring runs consistently as an opener and has also guided RCB to seven wins in 12 matches so far to help them enter the top four. RCB have two matches remaining in the season and have a healthy chance of making it to the playoffs. Also Read: Huge blow for CSK as Ravindra Jadeja likely to be ruled out of remainder of IPL 2022 - Report Kohli recently opened up on his equation with Du Plessis at the franchise and stated that he respected him as a captain. The former RCB skipper also went on to reveal how there have been instances when Du Plessis had refused a few suggestions from Kohli during matches. "Me and Faf got along really well even before we played together this season. He was a captain of South Africa for a while. Faf is a guy who is very sure of himself and he has full authority," said Kohli in an interview shared on RCB's official social media handles. "Sometimes I mention him things on field and he says 'No, I don't want to do that,' which I respect a lot because that obviously makes you gain respect for someone you are playing under," he added. Also Read: I realized what it feels like to be helpless: Virat Kohli opens up on his poor run of form in IPL 2022 Du Plessis is the highest run-getter for RCB so far this season with 389 runs in 12 matches at an impressive average of 35.36 and a strike rate of over 132. He has been leading from the front as far as his form with the bat is concerned and has bailed his team out of trouble on a couple of ocassions. Kohli, on the other hand, has struggled to score runs consistently this season and has been enduring a rough patch. With two games remaining in the competition, RCB need at least one win to stand a chance to make it to the playoffs.

'He has full authority': Virat Kohli opens up on his equation with Faf du Plessis after leaving RCB captaincy

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match 49 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Wednesday evening (May 04). The match was held at the MCA Stadium, Pune where RCB emerged on top by 13 runs with the playoffs race intensifying with each passing day.&nbsp;

Opting to bowl first, the MS Dhoni-led CSK restricted RCB to 173-8, riding on regular wickets from spinners Moeen Ali and Maheesh Theekshana. In reply, the four-time winners and defending champions Yellow Army had top-scorers in the form of Devon Conway (56) and Moeen (34) but they managed 160 for 8 in another hard-fought contest in the 15th season. With this, CSK is nearing an early exit from the competition.

Here's the updated points table after RCB-CSK clash at the MCA Stadium, Pune:

<img alt="Points Table after CSK-RCB clash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af5bd2ec-278d-4ba0-874c-0425f24b4372" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PT%20after%20RCB%20beat%20CSK.png" />

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-rcb-beat-ms-dhoni-led-csk-by-13-runs-as-defending-champions-near-elimination-476397">IPL 2022: RCB beat MS Dhoni-led CSK by 13 runs as defending champions near elimination</a>

At the post-match presentation, winning captain Du Plessis said, "We definitely needed that. We put up a decent total. We are moving in the right direction. We have been very good in the bowling departmet. I thought 165 would be nice to get. I thought the PP was a good time to score. The fielding was amazing. Some great catching and good bowling indeed. We are very lucky to have experienced guys. Very good to have me lean on the senior players."

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match 49 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Wednesday evening (May 04). The match was held at the MCA Stadium, Pune where RCB emerged on top by 13 runs with the playoffs race intensifying with each passing day.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match 49 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Wednesday evening (May 04). The match was held at the MCA Stadium, Pune where RCB emerged on top by 13 runs with the playoffs race intensifying with each passing day. Opting to bowl first, the MS Dhoni-led CSK restricted RCB to 173-8, riding on regular wickets from spinners Moeen Ali and Maheesh Theekshana. In reply, the four-time winners and defending champions Yellow Army had top-scorers in the form of Devon Conway (56) and Moeen (34) but they managed 160 for 8 in another hard-fought contest in the 15th season. With this, CSK is nearing an early exit from the competition. Here's the updated points table after RCB-CSK clash at the MCA Stadium, Pune: ALSO READ | IPL 2022: RCB beat MS Dhoni-led CSK by 13 runs as defending champions near elimination At the post-match presentation, winning captain Du Plessis said, "We definitely needed that. We put up a decent total. We are moving in the right direction. We have been very good in the bowling departmet. I thought 165 would be nice to get. I thought the PP was a good time to score. The fielding was amazing. Some great catching and good bowling indeed. We are very lucky to have experienced guys. Very good to have me lean on the senior players."

Updated IPL 2022 points table after Chennai Super Kings versus Royal Challengers Bangalore clash

Match 49 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on their close rivals Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MCA Stadium, Pune on Wednesday evening (May 04). Being in a precarious situation with the playoffs race heating up, both sides were in need of a win before RCB eventually emerged on top by 13 runs.&nbsp;

At the coin toss, CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first. Skipper MS Dhoni unlocked another major milestone in his staggering IPL career to become only the second player to play 200 matches for a single franchise (after Virat Kohli). RCB openers Faf and Kohli started off a bit slowly but&nbsp;stitched an impressive 62-run opening stand within 8 overs before skipper Faf was removed by his former teammate Moeen Ali. Moeen, who replaced Mitchell Santner, also picked up the wicket of Virat Kohli. Kohli never got going throughout his innings as he only managed a 33-ball 30.

From thereon, RCB young guns Mahipal Lomror (42)&nbsp;and Rajat Patidar started the recovery process. The duo added a valuable 44-run stand for the fourth wicket as the big guns Faf, Kohli and Glenn Maxwell had perished soon.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-csk-skipper-ms-dhoni-joins-virat-kohli-to-become-second-player-to-enter-special-200-club-476388">IPL 2022: CSK skipper MS Dhoni joins Virat Kohli to become second player to enter special 200-club</a>

For CSK, their spinners Moeen Ali (2 for 28) and Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana (3 for 27) changed the course of RCB's innings with regular scalps. Ravindra Jadeja also kept it tight from his end but some runs off Dwaine Pretorius and Dinesh Karthik's 17-ball 26 propelled RCB to 173-8 in 20 overs.&nbsp;

In reply, CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway (56) ensured a good start for the four-time winners and defending champions. Ruturaj, playing once again on his home ground, looked in good touch but Shahbad Ahmed sent him back for a 23-ball 28. Conway continued from his end but lost the support of Ambati Rayudu and Robin Uthappa as RCB spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maxwell chipped in with regular breakthroughs. Harshal Patel (3 for 35) and Josh Hazlewood (1 for 19)&nbsp;ended proceedings in RCB's favour by&nbsp;bowling&nbsp;impressively in the death overs.

The likes of Rayudu, Uthappa and Jadeja not firing let down CSK despite them being in control for most parts. With this loss, Dhoni &amp; Co. is nearing an early exit as RCB enters the top 4 (12 points).

Match 49 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on their close rivals Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MCA Stadium, Pune on Wednesday evening (May 04).

Match 49 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on their close rivals Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MCA Stadium, Pune on Wednesday evening (May 04). Being in a precarious situation with the playoffs race heating up, both sides were in need of a win before RCB eventually emerged on top by 13 runs. At the coin toss, CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first. Skipper MS Dhoni unlocked another major milestone in his staggering IPL career to become only the second player to play 200 matches for a single franchise (after Virat Kohli). RCB openers Faf and Kohli started off a bit slowly but stitched an impressive 62-run opening stand within 8 overs before skipper Faf was removed by his former teammate Moeen Ali. Moeen, who replaced Mitchell Santner, also picked up the wicket of Virat Kohli. Kohli never got going throughout his innings as he only managed a 33-ball 30. From thereon, RCB young guns Mahipal Lomror (42) and Rajat Patidar started the recovery process. The duo added a valuable 44-run stand for the fourth wicket as the big guns Faf, Kohli and Glenn Maxwell had perished soon. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: CSK skipper MS Dhoni joins Virat Kohli to become second player to enter special 200-club For CSK, their spinners Moeen Ali (2 for 28) and Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana (3 for 27) changed the course of RCB's innings with regular scalps. Ravindra Jadeja also kept it tight from his end but some runs off Dwaine Pretorius and Dinesh Karthik's 17-ball 26 propelled RCB to 173-8 in 20 overs. In reply, CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway (56) ensured a good start for the four-time winners and defending champions. Ruturaj, playing once again on his home ground, looked in good touch but Shahbad Ahmed sent him back for a 23-ball 28. Conway continued from his end but lost the support of Ambati Rayudu and Robin Uthappa as RCB spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maxwell chipped in with regular breakthroughs. Harshal Patel (3 for 35) and Josh Hazlewood (1 for 19) ended proceedings in RCB's favour by bowling impressively in the death overs. The likes of Rayudu, Uthappa and Jadeja not firing let down CSK despite them being in control for most parts. With this loss, Dhoni & Co. is nearing an early exit as RCB enters the top 4 (12 points).

IPL 2022: RCB beat MS Dhoni-led CSK by 13 runs as defending champions near elimination

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be looking to continue their winning run under MS Dhoni when they lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. CSK defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 13 runs in their last game to bag a much-needed win as Dhoni took over the captaincy from Ravindra Jadeja.

Dhoni had stepped down as CSK's skipper ahead of the start of the season to hand over the baton to Jadeja. However, the star all-rounder decided to hand back the reins to the legendary wicket-keeper batter once again after CSK's disastrous start to the season with six defeats and only two wins in their first eight matches.

The biggest positive for CSK in their win against SRH was opener Ruturaj Gaikwad bouncing back to form with a brilliant 99 off 57 balls while his opening partner Devon Conway also slammed an unbeaten 85 off 55 balls to grow in confidence after his initial snub from the playing XI.

While their batters are finding the momentum, CSK's bowling woes are still intact. Dhoni's biggest challenge will be to get the best out of his struggling bowling attack as he aims to keep CSK alive in the race for the playoffs. With just three wins in six matches, their chances are currently hanging by a thread.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-ms-dhoni-is-there-he-is-the-captain-faf-du-plessis-on-csk-captaincy-saga-in-ipl-2022-476254">When MS Dhoni is there, he is the captain: Faf du Plessis on CSK captaincy saga in IPL 2022</a>

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore have so far managed five wins and five losses in ten games this season. They had started off well but have struggled in their last few matches. RCB are currently on a losing streak of three matches and will be hopeful of bringing an end to it against CSK on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli roared back to form for RCB with a gritty half-century against GT in their last game after a string of low-key scores. However, there remain concerns in their batting line-up as they have failed to deliver as a unit so far. Their bowling attack too has been under pressure in the death overs and will have to step up against CSK.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liam-livingstone-smashes-biggest-six-in-ipl-2022-leaves-gujarat-titans-players-in-awe-watch-476238">&nbsp;Liam Livingstone smashes biggest six in IPL 2022, leaves Gujarat Titans players in awe - WATCH</a>

RCB vs CSK, IPL 2022 prediction:

With MS Dhoni's return as captain, Chennai Super Kings looked a different side in their win against SRH and will be keen on continuing the momentum against RCB on Wednesday. CSK are expected to bag their fourth win of the season when they lock horns with Faf du Plessis' men.

&nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be looking to continue their winning run under MS Dhoni when they lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be looking to continue their winning run under MS Dhoni when they lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. CSK defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 13 runs in their last game to bag a much-needed win as Dhoni took over the captaincy from Ravindra Jadeja. Dhoni had stepped down as CSK's skipper ahead of the start of the season to hand over the baton to Jadeja. However, the star all-rounder decided to hand back the reins to the legendary wicket-keeper batter once again after CSK's disastrous start to the season with six defeats and only two wins in their first eight matches. The biggest positive for CSK in their win against SRH was opener Ruturaj Gaikwad bouncing back to form with a brilliant 99 off 57 balls while his opening partner Devon Conway also slammed an unbeaten 85 off 55 balls to grow in confidence after his initial snub from the playing XI. While their batters are finding the momentum, CSK's bowling woes are still intact. Dhoni's biggest challenge will be to get the best out of his struggling bowling attack as he aims to keep CSK alive in the race for the playoffs. With just three wins in six matches, their chances are currently hanging by a thread. Also Read: When MS Dhoni is there, he is the captain: Faf du Plessis on CSK captaincy saga in IPL 2022 On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore have so far managed five wins and five losses in ten games this season. They had started off well but have struggled in their last few matches. RCB are currently on a losing streak of three matches and will be hopeful of bringing an end to it against CSK on Wednesday. Virat Kohli roared back to form for RCB with a gritty half-century against GT in their last game after a string of low-key scores. However, there remain concerns in their batting line-up as they have failed to deliver as a unit so far. Their bowling attack too has been under pressure in the death overs and will have to step up against CSK. Also Read: Liam Livingstone smashes biggest six in IPL 2022, leaves Gujarat Titans players in awe - WATCH RCB vs CSK, IPL 2022 prediction: With MS Dhoni's return as captain, Chennai Super Kings looked a different side in their win against SRH and will be keen on continuing the momentum against RCB on Wednesday. CSK are expected to bag their fourth win of the season when they lock horns with Faf du Plessis' men.

IPL 2022 today match prediction: Who will win Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings clash?

MS Dhoni returned as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 after star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja decided to step down as the skipper of the side and hand over the reins back to Dhoni. Dhoni led CSK to a much-needed 13 run-win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on his comeback as the skipper to keep the four-time champions alive in the race for the playoffs this season.

Dhoni had himself passed over the baton to Jadeja ahead of the start of the season keeping the future in mind. However, Jadeja decided to quit captaincy as CSK endured a horrible start to the season with just two wins and six defeats in their first eight matches. The pressure of captaincy had also started affecting Jadeja's game adversely.

Reacting to the captaincy saga at CSK this season, former CSK star Faf du Plessis, who is leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCb) this season, said Dhoni should be the captain at CSK as long as he is in the team. Du Plessis said he was surprised when the change in captaincy happened mid-season but insisted the move was in the making.

"I'm surprised that the captaincy change happened midseason, but I was also surprised at the way it happened the way before the season. So, it is like two surprises cancelling each other out. Obviously, there's no secret that when MS is there and he is the captain, he does get the best out of the players, and that has been a big part of CSK's success," Du Plessis said in a video shared by RCB ahead of their clash against Dhoni's CSK in IPL 2022 on Wednesday (April 04).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liam-livingstone-smashes-biggest-six-in-ipl-2022-leaves-gujarat-titans-players-in-awe-watch-476238">Liam Livingstone smashes biggest six in IPL 2022, leaves Gujarat Titans players in awe - WATCH</a>&nbsp;

CSK returned to winning ways in Dhoni's first game as captain after the four-time champions successfully defended the total of 202 runs against SRH at the MCA Stadum in Pune. CSK are in a must-win situation in every game from here on as they look to keep their playoffs hopes alive.

CSK will be looking to continue their winning run when they take on RCB at the same venue on Wednesday. While CSK are currently placed ninth on the points table with six points from nine games, RCB are at the sixth spot with ten points from as many matches.

MS Dhoni returned as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 after star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja decided to step down as the skipper of the side and hand over the reins back to Dhoni.

MS Dhoni returned as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 after star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja decided to step down as the skipper of the side and hand over the reins back to Dhoni. Dhoni led CSK to a much-needed 13 run-win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on his comeback as the skipper to keep the four-time champions alive in the race for the playoffs this season. Dhoni had himself passed over the baton to Jadeja ahead of the start of the season keeping the future in mind. However, Jadeja decided to quit captaincy as CSK endured a horrible start to the season with just two wins and six defeats in their first eight matches. The pressure of captaincy had also started affecting Jadeja's game adversely. Reacting to the captaincy saga at CSK this season, former CSK star Faf du Plessis, who is leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCb) this season, said Dhoni should be the captain at CSK as long as he is in the team. Du Plessis said he was surprised when the change in captaincy happened mid-season but insisted the move was in the making. "I'm surprised that the captaincy change happened midseason, but I was also surprised at the way it happened the way before the season. So, it is like two surprises cancelling each other out. Obviously, there's no secret that when MS is there and he is the captain, he does get the best out of the players, and that has been a big part of CSK's success," Du Plessis said in a video shared by RCB ahead of their clash against Dhoni's CSK in IPL 2022 on Wednesday (April 04). Also Read: Liam Livingstone smashes biggest six in IPL 2022, leaves Gujarat Titans players in awe - WATCH CSK returned to winning ways in Dhoni's first game as captain after the four-time champions successfully defended the total of 202 runs against SRH at the MCA Stadum in Pune. CSK are in a must-win situation in every game from here on as they look to keep their playoffs hopes alive. CSK will be looking to continue their winning run when they take on RCB at the same venue on Wednesday. While CSK are currently placed ninth on the points table with six points from nine games, RCB are at the sixth spot with ten points from as many matches.

When MS Dhoni is there, he is the captain: Faf du Plessis on CSK captaincy saga in IPL 2022

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was in brilliant form in his side's clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday (May 01). Gaikwad slammed a brilliant knock of 99 runs and combined with his opening partner Devon Conway to post a record 182-run stand for the first wicket at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

The stylish right-hander, who had been struggling for consistency this season, looked in dazzling form right from the start of his innings and took the SRH bowlers to the cleaners. Gaikwad scored 99 off just 57 deliveries laced with six sixes and six fours. He missed out on a well-deserved hundred by just 1 run but ended up etching his name in history along with Conway.

The 182-run stand between Conway and Gaikwad for the first wicket against SRH is the biggest partnership for the franchise in the history of IPL. The duo broke the record of former CSK openers Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson, who had posted a 181-run stand in IPL 2020.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-srh-fanboy-dale-steyn-takes-ms-dhonis-autograph-as-picture-of-duos-meet-up-goes-viral-475667">Fanboy Dale Steyn takes MS Dhoni's autograph as picture of duo's meet-up goes viral</a>

While Gaikwad scored 99, Conway slammed an unbeaten 85 off 55 balls to help CSK post a massive total of 202 runs on the board and win the game by 13 runs after restricting SRH on 189/6 in 20 overs. Post his side's win Gaikwad took a cheeky dig at Du Plessis stating that the South African batter might be jealous that he and Conway broke his record for CSK.

"I think Faf would be jealous a little bit. But it's okay. It feels really nice to have the record," Ruturaj told CSK TV after the MS Dhoni-led side defeated Kane Williamson &amp; Co. to bag their third win of the season. Du Plessis is currently leading RCB in IPL 2022 after being released by CSK.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-dont-want-him-to-feel-that-captaincy-was-ms-dhoni-on-ravindra-jadeja-quitting-as-csk-skipper-475646">'You don't want him to feel that captaincy was...': MS Dhoni on Ravindra Jadeja quitting as CSK skipper</a>

It was the first game for Dhoni as captain of the side after he was reappointed as the skipper of the team post Jadeja's decision to step down from captaincy. Dhoni made an excellent return inspiring his side to a much-needed win to keep their playoffs hopes alive this season.

Gaikwad, who had struggled to get going, looked in splendid touch as went after the SRH bowlers, including pace sensation Umran Malik, who ended up conceding 48 runs off his four overs without managing a wicket.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was in brilliant form in his side's clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday (May 01). Gaikwad slammed a brilliant knock of 99 runs and combined with his opening partner Devon Conway to post a record 182-run stand for the first wicket at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was in brilliant form in his side's clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday (May 01). Gaikwad slammed a brilliant knock of 99 runs and combined with his opening partner Devon Conway to post a record 182-run stand for the first wicket at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The stylish right-hander, who had been struggling for consistency this season, looked in dazzling form right from the start of his innings and took the SRH bowlers to the cleaners. Gaikwad scored 99 off just 57 deliveries laced with six sixes and six fours. He missed out on a well-deserved hundred by just 1 run but ended up etching his name in history along with Conway. The 182-run stand between Conway and Gaikwad for the first wicket against SRH is the biggest partnership for the franchise in the history of IPL. The duo broke the record of former CSK openers Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson, who had posted a 181-run stand in IPL 2020. Also Read: Fanboy Dale Steyn takes MS Dhoni's autograph as picture of duo's meet-up goes viral While Gaikwad scored 99, Conway slammed an unbeaten 85 off 55 balls to help CSK post a massive total of 202 runs on the board and win the game by 13 runs after restricting SRH on 189/6 in 20 overs. Post his side's win Gaikwad took a cheeky dig at Du Plessis stating that the South African batter might be jealous that he and Conway broke his record for CSK. "I think Faf would be jealous a little bit. But it's okay. It feels really nice to have the record," Ruturaj told CSK TV after the MS Dhoni-led side defeated Kane Williamson & Co. to bag their third win of the season. Du Plessis is currently leading RCB in IPL 2022 after being released by CSK. Also Read: 'You don't want him to feel that captaincy was...': MS Dhoni on Ravindra Jadeja quitting as CSK skipper It was the first game for Dhoni as captain of the side after he was reappointed as the skipper of the team post Jadeja's decision to step down from captaincy. Dhoni made an excellent return inspiring his side to a much-needed win to keep their playoffs hopes alive this season. Gaikwad, who had struggled to get going, looked in splendid touch as went after the SRH bowlers, including pace sensation Umran Malik, who ended up conceding 48 runs off his four overs without managing a wicket.

'I think Faf would be jealous': CSK star Ruturaj Gaikwad takes a dig at his former opening partner - WATCH

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