IPL 2024 title decider will be held between the winner of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2.© BCCI

Faf Du Plessis took a ‘superman’ catch to leave both fans and experts stunned during the IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings on Saturday. During the 15th over of the CSK innings, Mitchell Santner tried to hit a low full-toss from Mohammed Siraj over mid-off and it looked like Faf will not be able to reach the ball despite pulling off a good jump. However, the RCB captain left everyone surprised by completing a sensational one-handed catch to provide a major breakthrough. Virat Kohli was thrilled by the effort and he ran towards his teammate and gave him a kiss during the celebration.

RCB went on to book their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs with a 27-run victory over CSK.

“I think it was a good wicket to be honest, it was spinning and gripping a little bit, but I think 200 on this ground was gettable. We kept losing wickets at regular intervals, it was a matter of one or two hits, sometimes that can happen in a T20 game. Pretty happy with what the target was, to sum up the season, I am pretty happy to have seven wins out of 14 games.”

#TATAIPL #RCBvCSK #IPLonJioCinema pic.twitter.com/GWuERdGUCL

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 18, 2024

“Just couldn’t get over the line in the last two balls. With the kind of injuries we had, missing out on two frontline bowlers, not having Conway at the top of the order as well, I think missing out on three key players made a huge difference. Credit to the CSK staff and everyone who put up a great show for us throughout the season. There were many challenges for us right throughout the first game.

Virat Kohli kissed Faf Du Plessis after a stunner from Faf. pic.twitter.com/2ktGK8vhcb

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 18, 2024

“Injury to Fizz (Mustafizur), then injury to Pathirana as well, he came back and then again Pathirana missed out. When you have injuries around, you have to get that balance in the team and pick it (the team) for every game. I think this season sums up well where we had to tinker around with our playing XI, considering the injuries and all the illness (of the players) as well.”

“Happy with the seven wins, couldn’t get over the line though. Happy with it. We got 10 from the last 2 balls in our last knockout game last year so this was a similar situation, things didn’t go our way (this season) though. For me, personal milestones don’t really matter a lot, after all the ultimate goal is to win. If you are not getting there it’s a disappointment. Doesn’t matter if you score 100 runs or 500-600 runs in a season. I am disappointed (after losing.),” CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said after the match.

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Chris Gayle joined his old teammate Virat Kohli in the franchise’s dressing room at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on Saturday. Gayle who once opened the innings alongside Virat Kohli for RCB, was elated to see his former side securing a heroic victory against Chennai Super Kings to qualify for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. After entering the dressing room, Gayle recreated his old celebration with Kohli before giving the RCB stalwart a big hug.

Gayle witnessed RCB make history at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium following their 27-run win against the Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.

Against all odds, they sealed their spot in the final berth of the IPL playoffs. The Challengers became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after having just one win in their first seven games of the season.

Virat & Gayle Celebration

pic.twitter.com/gxOiBI6LXi

— V I P E R (@VIPERoffl) May 19, 2024

Chris Gayle’s Instagram post.

– ‘Long live, the King. Nothing but respect and love’. pic.twitter.com/gVg180CL1U

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2024

During the game, the RCB Hall of Fame opened up about his love for the franchise. He even joked about coming in as an impact substitute if the team needs a player.

“As you can see jersey still fits so if they need an extra man, I can be the impact player. It is good to see the fans. RCB forever, I will forever be an RCB fan,” Gayle said in a video posted by RCB on X.

Universe Boss Chris Gayle was in the house last night, ready to step in as Impact Sub!

‘RCB Forever’ – he says reminiscing his playing days and supporting the Men In Red Blue and Gold! #PlayBold #RCB #ChrisGayle #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/RougFPSZEx

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 19, 2024

The RCB fans have witnessed Gayle break and rescript records at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In this stadium, Gayle smashed 175* off just 66 deliveries against Pune Warriors in the IPL 2013.

After more than 10 years, Gayle’s blitz stands tall as the highest score in the T20 format. His record-breaking knock was laced with 13 boundaries and 17 towering sixes.

He still has the record for the most maximums in an inning by a batter in the history of the cash-rich league. Gayle opened up about his love for playing in Chinnaswamy and the electrifying atmosphere that is created by the fans.

“It is always good to be back where you have fun memories. It is good to see the guys in a very important game. For me, it is very special to be right here at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. One thing I noticed the roof, brand new, I know I have done some damage. I hope someone can put a dent in there and make it entertaining like the Universe Boss,” Gayle said.

“I got goosebumps. This is the best place to play cricket, the atmosphere is brilliant and the fans played a big part during my career with RCB,” Gayle added.

Coming to the match, with 218/5 on board, RCB managed to restrict CSK before they could reach 201 to better their net run rate. RCB stood victorious with a 27-run win and sealed their spot in the final four.

With ANI inputs