By Zainab Shafiq 
In a one-sided encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Rajasthan Royals faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 14. Chasing a target of 172 runs, the Sanju Samson-led side crumbled under pressure and were bundled out for a paltry 59 runs, resulting in a demoralizing loss by a staggering margin of 112 runs. The defeat has complicated Rajasthan Royals’ path to the IPL 2023 playoffs, as they not only need to win their next match against Punjab Kings but also significantly improve their net run rate while keeping a close eye on other match results.
Former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, Virat Kohli, couldn’t resist a cheeky remark after witnessing Rajasthan Royals’ batting collapse. In a video shared by RCB, Kohli humorously quipped that if he had taken the ball, the home team would have been dismissed for a mere 40 runs. Known for his occasional playful jabs about his bowling skills, Kohli rarely bowls in matches but couldn’t resist a playful dig at Rajasthan’s batting woes.
“If I had bowled, they would have been all out for 40,” Kohli was heard saying so, in a video posted by RCB.
RCB, on the other hand, is on a strong path towards securing another IPL playoffs berth following their dominant victory over Rajasthan Royals. Led by Faf du Plessis, RCB’s position in the IPL points table has improved, currently standing at fifth place. The team’s qualification hopes will be solidified if they can continue their winning streak in their remaining matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18 and Gujarat Titans on May 21.
Faf du Plessis, RCB’s captain, has been leading by example with an outstanding performance in the tournament. Currently leading the IPL Orange Cap race, du Plessis has amassed an impressive 631 runs in 12 matches. Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell have also made significant contributions to RCB’s success with their stellar performances. The bowling duo of Mohammed Siraj and Wayne Parnell showcased their skills in the last match, creating havoc for the opposition and boosting the team’s confidence as they approach the crucial stages of the tournament.