With their victory in Jaipur on Saturday, Royal Challengers Bangalore undoubtedly exorcised the demons of 49. It was utter carnage of epic dimensions. RCB surged back in spectacular manner from their position in the bottom half of the standings with a negative net run rate of 0.3. Rajasthan Royals were bowled out for only 59 runs, which is their second-lowest IPL total ever, and RCB produced an incredible 112-run victory to put themselves back in the running for the playoffs. However, a brash tweet from the Lucknow Super Giants triggered an astounding “Eliminator” request from supporters of both clubs.
Before Kolkata Knight Riders' first victory at Chepauk in a decade against Chennai Super Kings enhanced their prospects, the unfathomable victory, which even surprised some of the most ardent RCB supporters on Sunday, undoubtedly created some seismic upheavals on the points table.
With six victories and as many defeats in 12 games, RCB was in fifth place in the points standings after the conclusion of the doubleheader on Sunday. They are now just one point behind of LSG in fourth place. The club still has two games left, one of which is at home, although against the reigning champion Gujarat Titans, giving RCB a chance to enter the playoffs once again after the victory in Jaipur. At the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18 before hosting GT for their last league match three nights later.
They will end with 16 points after two victories, which might secure them a spot in the playoffs if other circumstances in the next nine league games work in their favor. However, when LSG tweeted about RCB's victory, most social media users suggested that fans watch a “Eliminator” tie between RCB and LSG. Here are a few responses:
There isn't much evidence to support the desire of supporters for an RCB vs. LSG match. At the Chinnaswamy last month, LSG upset RCB in the first match, and Gautam Gambhir, the Lucknow team's coach, erupted in jubilation while making a silent gesture toward the spectators. On May 1 in Lucknow, Virat Kohli returned the favor in style, although there was more off-field activity during the game.
The Ekana Stadium saw an unpleasant incident when Kohli and LSG's Naveen-ul-Haq got into a furious argument during the game. Later, Kohli and Gambhir got into a fight. Later, the BCCI fined the three $50 for violating the IPL Code of Conduct. Naveen received a 50% fee reduction, but Kohli and Gambhir received 100% match fines.
