Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) breathed new life into the Indian Premier League playoffs hopes with a comprehensive victory against Delhi Capitals on Sunday. The victory against DC keeps RCB just one win away from a spot in the top 4, though a few other results also need to fall in their favour. But, the franchise's 5th consecutive victory of the IPL 2024 campaign sent a wave of jubilation among their players and support staff which could be witnessed very well in the dressing room.
RCB shared a video on social media after the game where some epic scenes were witnessed from the team's dressing room. Each and every contributor to the win against DC was lauded by RCB as the confidence in the team hit a new level, thanks to the recent results.
"Faf and Virat particularly have led from the front with their actions, and the rest of the team have been outstanding. I think we have seen an uptick in the way that we've bowled in the powerplay, and I think that's been led by Siraj and Yash Dayal. Both have been very skilful and courageous with the new ball," RCB coach Andy Flower said in an RCB video.
RCB continued with their second-half surge in the T20 league, making it five wins in five matches and climbing up to the fifth spot with a 47-run win over DC.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, skipper Faf du Plessis admitted being thoroughly please with his team's show. "Brilliant, we put some good performances and really pleased. First half of the season, things did not quite come together and from that batting perspective and bowling perspective we have been able to put it together now. Sometimes people talk about match-ups and all, but as a left-hander with the ball spinning in, you hope that works out sometimes and he has (Swapnil Singh, left-arm spinner) done brilliantly for us.
"A lot of work has gone behind the scenes, and we are getting it right and I feel there is a lot more variety in our bowling now and Yash and Lockie have been exceptional in the last few games. We want to be bold. Even today, we played swing up front and bounce upfront, we had 60-odd in the powerplay, guys are pushing."
RCB has kept its playoff hopes alive, standing just one place below the playoffs spots. With six wins, seven losses, the franchise has 12 points in total. DC, on the other hand, slid down to the sixth spot, with six wins, seven losses and 12 points.