'Off the Ventilator, Still in ICU': Former India Cricketer Sums up RCB's IPL 2024 Playoff Chances

RCB are now seventh on the IPL 2024 points table. (AP Photo)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are undergoing a late revival after a horror start to their IPL 2024 campaign. The Faf du Plessis-led outfit has now jotted together a series of three wins in a row which has not only lifted them from the 10th spot in the standings but also given them a renewed hope of a top-four finish culminating into a playoffs spot.

RCB’s change in approach in their chase of 148 against Gujarat Titans was quite evident with their batters going after the bowlers without the fear of losing their wickets. Virat Kohli set the ball rolling in the first over when he got off the mark with a stunning six off Mohit Sharma before Du Plessis took over the show with a lightning fast fifty.

The RCB openers racked up 92 runs in the Powerplay itself to all but seal the fate of the contest and the intent has left former India allrounder Ajay Jadeja impressed.

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However, he credited the performances of RCB bowlers for setting up the base for the win, an aspect which has been their Achilles Heel.

“We are excited about the match after seeing Virat and Faf bat,” Jadeja said on JioCinema. “But the real work that was done, was by the bowlers, an aspect RCB has historically struggled at. The bowling department has started to click for them now, and we’re talking about the business end of the season, this is the point where realistic chances of winning comes from momentum.”

Jadeja though added that RCB suffering a batting collapse after the stupendous start showed there’s still a weakness that opponents could exploit meaning they are not completely out of the woods.

“More than momentum, it’s about the mentality of the team where you know if you’re in a bad situation, someone will take you out of it… Today, it seemed like RCB picked the right road while Gujarat was on the other side. Who will reach their goal? It’s a very tough ask still. The chinks in the armour are visible – what happened at the end. But the chance is there. They’re off the ventilator but they’re still in the ICU,” Jadeja said.

“Today was outstanding… They came into the game differently from the start. I haven’t checked the statistics, but I have never seen them start a game with a six. Not one, but two of them, in the first over, when there was no need. What Faf did, he was operating at a different pace. Later, there was some excitement in the match but at no point did it seem like this was (GT win) going to be successful,” he added.