The Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s hopes for reaching the IPL playoffs were dashed by a devastating 1-run loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders. With their seventh defeat in eight matches, even winning all remaining games would not secure a playoff spot for RCB. Despite chasing 223 runs, RCB fell just short after a promising start. Rajat Patidar (52) and Will Jacks (55) had propelled the team with a 100-plus partnership, but a massive collapse saw RCB crumble from 137-2 to 155-6.
Needing 21 runs off the final over, Karn Sharma and Mohammed Siraj were at the crease to face Mitchell Starc. Sharma injected excitement by smashing three consecutive sixes off Starc’s first four deliveries. However, Sharma fell on the second-last ball. With one ball remaining and three runs required, Lockie Ferguson was run out.
A video has gone viral, showing the umpiring flaw that may have cost RCB the match. In the 17th over, RCB batter Suyash Prabhudessai pulled Varun Chakaravarthy‘s delivery for what appeared to be a six, with the ball seemingly hitting the boundary ropes. However, the on-field umpires called it a four without checking with the third umpire, denying RCB two runs. Angry RCB fans claim this mistake tipped the barest of margins in a close match, highlighting how a single questionable call can decide the outcome in cricket.
Earlier in the match, Virat Kohli‘s dismissal had also sparked controversy. Kohli hit a high full toss and was caught by Harshit Rana. Believing the ball was above waist height, Kohli decided to challenge the call. However, since Kohli was out of his crease, the third umpire upheld the decision, leaving Kohli furious and triggering outrage on social media.
Phil Salt (48 runs) and Shreyas Iyer (50 runs) propelled KKR to post a formidable total of 222-6 in their 20 overs. This was KKR’s fifth win out of seven matches, moving them to second place in the IPL standings with 10 points.