Kohli's Team Shows How to Make a Comeback

Who will make it to the IPL playoffs? Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB)? Fans finally have the answer to this tough question. In a thrilling do-or-die match filled with tension, five-time champions Chennai succumbed under pressure and were eliminated, while an incredible victory secured RCB’s spot in the playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings needed to chase down 219 runs to win. However, even if they lost, they had a chance to qualify for the playoffs by scoring at least 201 runs. Guided by Rachin Ravindra’s superb batting, Chennai was on track, but after his dismissal, Kohli's team seized control of the match. Chennai managed to score 191 runs for 7 wickets by the final ball of the innings, leading to a 27-run victory for Bangalore.

Chasing the target, Chennai was in trouble early, losing two wickets during the powerplay. Rachin Ravindra, along with Ajinkya Rahane, tried to stabilize the innings. Their partnership of 66 runs ended when Rahane was dismissed for 33. Despite showing some resistance, Ravindra was out for 61 runs off 37 balls, with 5 fours and 3 sixes, causing Chennai to lose momentum.

Towards the end, Jadeja and Dhoni sparked some hope with their aggressive batting, hitting fours and sixes to thrill the crowd. In the final over, Chennai needed 17 runs to qualify. Dhoni hit a massive six on the first ball, sending his supporters into a frenzy. However, he was caught on the boundary on the next delivery. Jadeja and Shardul Thakur couldn't score the required 11 runs off the last four balls. Jadeja remained not out with 42 runs off 22 balls, but Chennai fell short by 10 runs to make it to the playoffs.

Earlier, after losing the toss, Bangalore batted first at their home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli and du Plessis put on a 78-run partnership. Kohli was caught out for 47, while South African du Plessis scored a half-century, making 54 runs off 39 balls. Bangalore unleashed a storm in the final five overs, adding 80 runs to their score.

In the closing stages, Dinesh Karthik scored 14 runs off 6 balls, and Glenn Maxwell hit 16 runs off 5 balls, helping Bangalore surpass 200. Cameron Green remained unbeaten with 38 runs off 17 balls. Ultimately, Bangalore posted a formidable total of 218 for 5.

With this victory, Bangalore secured the final playoff spot, joining Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Hyderabad. They finished with 14 points from 14 matches. Although Chennai also had 14 points, their lower run rate pushed them to fifth place, ending their campaign in the 17th edition of the IPL.