IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings, 6th Match – Who Said What?

Dinesh Karthik. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings in a thrilling match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The hosts were in control of the match for the most part but Harpreet Brar’s brilliance with the ball gave Punjab some momentum. With the wicket of Virat Kohli, it was once felt that Punjab could get the job done but ultimately, Dinesh Karthik once again emerged as RCB’s saviour, playing a sublime knock to get the job done.

Notably, batting first, Punjab Kings struggled for the majority part but skipper Shikhar Dhawan managed to hit 45 runs, which helped PBKS post 178 runs on the board in the first innings. Towards the fag end of the innings, Jitesh Sharma and Shashank Singh played beautiful cameos, which helped PBKS gain momentum.

When it came to the chase, it was all about Virat Kohli versus PBKS. When all the other batters were struggling against the PBKS bowlers, Kohli rose up to the occasion and hit 77 runs off 49 deliveries. However, the win wouldn’t have been possible leaving Karthik out. The veteran batter smashed 28 runs off just ten deliveries to help RCB win their first match of IPL 2024.

1. No solid impact from PBKS batters

PBKS won’t be too happy with the performance of their batters. Everyone chipped in from time to time but none of the batters could capitalize. That’s a massive concern at the moment. There are a lot of expectations from overseas players in the form of Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone but the English players are yet to come to the party, which is a bit of a concern.

2. Brar stuns RCB

Harpreet Brar was incredible at M Chinnaswamy Stadium against Bengaluru. He gave away just 13 runs in his four overs and picked up two crucial wickets of Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell. His impact is one massive plus point for PBKS in the match.

3. Kohli, Karthik in sublime touch

Virat Kohli started the show and it was Dinesh Karthik who finished it. On a surface in which all the other batters struggled, Kohli made it look very easy. After he got out, Karthik walked the walk and put up a show that the fans will remember for the longest time. Is he auditioning for the upcoming T20 World Cup? Well, never say never.

Also check: RCB vs PBKS: Fan sneaks past security to touch Virat Kohli’s feet, video divides the internet

Losing skipper Shikhar Dhawan said:

It was a good game, we brought the game back and again we lost it. We scored 10-15 runs less, in the first six overs I played a bit slow. Those 10-15 runs cost us and the dropped catch as well. (Turning point) Virat scored 70-odd runs and we dropped a catch of the class player, we paid the price. If we had taken that catch, the momentum would have come from the second ball. But we lost the momentum over there and then we paid the price for that. It looked good but it wasn’t a very true wicket, it was stopping, bit of double bounce and turned as well. 70% coming good, 30% it was doing a bit. I am happy with my runs but I thought I could have played a bit more fast in the first six overs, that’s the only thing I felt. We lost wickets as well, we lost two wickets continuously and that put pressure on us. At the end, that’s the total we thought on this wicket. The match went till the last over, at the end also we could have bowled well. He’s bowling really well, especially bowling against left-handers, tremendous the way he soaked in the pressure and got us the breakthroughs.

Winning skipper Faf du Plessis said:

On the outside, not as much on the inside (was he calm?). Early in the competition you want to make sure you get over the line. Felt we were in the position to do that sooner. WIth the new rule, we knew we had Mahipal coming in – has lot of power. Now with the extra batter you feel like even 14-15 rpo is gettable. Really pleased for him (DK). I said it the other night – really important for him to get his IPL going with confidence. There’s obviously a plan – from the auction – to find some sort of DNA. It is a unique ground. Even tonight the pitch was a bit different. Virat was important on that pitch. He’s still enjoying himself, very passionate about playing cricket. Fresh and motivated to do well.

POTM Virat Kohli said:

It’s been going on for years (love story with fans at Chinnaswamy). People talk about a lot of other things when you play sport – achievement, stats, numbers. But when you look back it’s the memories you create. The love, appreciation and backing I’ve received has been amazing. I try to give the team a blazing start, but if wickets fall you have to assess. Wasn’t the usual flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn’t finish the game. Was in the slot but sliced it to deep point. They know I play the cover drive well, so they’re not going to allow me to hit gaps. You have to come up with a game plan here and there. I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I’ve still got it I guess. Just to feel normal for two months – for me, my family – it was a surreal experience. Couldn’t have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It’s an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised. That’s the promise I can give here – I’ll keep turning up and keep trying me best.