Former RCB star AB de Villiers voiced his dismay over Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s loss against Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, which resulted in their exit from IPL 2024. RCB were eliminated from the competition on Wednesday, May 22, after losing the knockout match by four wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The Bengaluru side’s fantastic season came to an unfortunate end as they were once again unable to capture the maiden IPL title. De Villiers, who played for the team from 2011 to 2021, shared disappointment. The 40-year-old also praised the playe s for pulling off a spectacular turnaround during the season after they had only won out of their eight games.
The former South Africa captain posted a tweet on X. “It’s always painful to lose. But as a fan, I’m proud of the boys for making us believe, even when all hope seemed lost at the start of May. I’m sure #RCB will come back stronger next year and bring home that elusive title.”
The three-time runners-up orchestrated an incredible comeback, winning six straight games and stunning everyone by making it to the playoffs. In the playoffs, they lost to RR. Featuring in their 17th season of the cash-rich league, they missed another chance to end their title drought.
Even though they did not win the title, Royal Challenger’s IPL 2024 outing will be appreciated for their teamwork. Virat Kohli is the top run scorer with 741 runs in 15 innings.
Rajat Patidar (395 runs) also rediscovered his form in the middle phase of the campaign. In the bowling department, Glenn Maxwell and Swapnil Singh tool six wickets each, while Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj emerged as the team’s top wicket-takers with 15 wickets apiece.
RCB management will try to break their trophy drought by rebuilding their team in the mega auction that takes place before the start of the next IPL season.