Royal Challengers Bangalore’s remarkable comeback in the second half of the IPL 2024 season has sent shockwaves through the tournament and put the Kolkata Knight Riders on high alert. After a dismal start to their campaign, RCB has strung together a six-match winning streak to secure a spot in the playoffs, where they face the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator on Wednesday.
The turnaround has been spearheaded by a resurgent batting lineup, with Virat Kohli continuing his impressive form to lead the Orange Cap race with 708 runs in 14 matches. Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, and Dinesh Karthik have also chipped in with crucial contributions in recent matches.
Former India pacer Varun Aaron believes that RCB’s momentum and belief make them a dangerous opponent for any team, including the finalists Kolkata Knight Riders. He stated, ‘On paper, definitely they (KKR) will be favorite. But of course, the result is decided on the day. It doesn’t matter if your team is the best or the worst. I don’t think KKR would want RCB, because they have the momentum. If RCB reach the final, they will have the belief that the trophy is theirs; nobody can stop them.’
RCB’s resurgence has been built on a solid foundation of consistent batting performances. Virat Kohli’s brilliance at the top of the order has provided stability, while the likes of Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, and Dinesh Karthik have stepped up in crucial moments.
As RCB prepares to face the struggling Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, they enter the match as clear favorites. The Royals have endured a dismal second half of the season, failing to register a single win in July.
Despite KKR’s impressive performance in the league stages, Aaron believes that RCB poses a significant threat. He further stated, ‘There are still important matches left. The pressure of the final is entirely different. KKR wouldn’t want RCB to qualify for the final, because they are coming with the belief that they want to win the IPL.’
