- Dec 2, 2024
- Jun 21, 2023
Thursday’s match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad witnessed complete carnage as Virat Kohli showcased his vintage form, smashing his sixth IPL hundred to secure victory for RCB. This crucial win has propelled RCB up the points table and kept them in contention for the playoffs.
With SRH setting a challenging target of 186/5, Bangalore knew they had to win to maintain their playoff hopes. Kohli, alongside captain Faf du Plessis, led the team to a remarkable victory. The duo shattered records with a monumental opening partnership of 172 runs, leaving RCB to chase down the target comfortably with eight wickets in hand. Kohli’s century came off just 63 deliveries, including 12 fours and four sixes, while du Plessis contributed a quickfire 71 off 47 balls, comprising seven fours and two sixes.
The extraordinary performances of RCB and Kohli garnered praise from former cricketers, current players, and cricket pundits. Notably, senior journalist Rajat Sharma joined the chorus of admiration, while also taking a subtle dig at Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor Gautam Gambhir. Sharma tweeted, “Magnificent 100 by Virat. It was a delight to watch. Of course, somebody somewhere may not be happy.”
Rajat Sharma’s dig at former India player:
Magnificent 100 by Virat. It was a delight to watch. Of course, somebody somewhere may not be happy 😜@imVkohli @BCCI
— Rajat Sharma (@RajatSharmaLive) May 18, 2023
This tweet from Sharma referred to an earlier social media spat between Gambhir and Rajat following a heated altercation between Kohli and LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq during a match in Lucknow. Gambhir had posted a cryptic message on Twitter, calling Rajat “egoistic and arrogant” and accusing him of selling paid PR as concern for cricket. Gambhir’s tweet read, “Man who ran away from Delhi Cricket citing ‘pressure’ seems over-eager to sell paid PR as concern for cricket! यही कलयुग़ है जहां ‘भगोड़े’ अपनी ‘अदालत’ चलाते हैं।”
Gambhir’s dig at former DDCA President earlier :
Man who ran away from Delhi Cricket citing “pressure” seems over eager to sell paid PR as concern for cricket! यही कलयुग़ है जहां ‘भगोड़े’ अपनी ‘अदालत’ चलाते हैं।
— Gautam Gambhir (Modi Ka Parivar) (@GautamGambhir) May 3, 2023
Meanwhile, in the first innings, SRH wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen played a stunning knock, smashing his maiden IPL century off just 49 balls, making it the second-fastest hundred for SRH. However, his exceptional effort went in vain as RCB emerged victorious.
With this win, RCB has surged into fourth place on the points table, accumulating 14 points. The victory has reignited their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, while Kohli’s century has not only delighted RCB fans but also emphasized his prowess as a formidable batsman in the IPL.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Ohhoo Troller banenge ye ab. pic.twitter.com/Cups5jwAuW
— rae (@ChillamChilli) May 18, 2023
— Benjamin Chiklu (@abirchiklu) May 18, 2023
https://twitter.com/theprayagtiwari/status/1659260153911480320
Ye kaunse naye business mai agaye aap
— Trupti Garg (@garg_trupti) May 18, 2023
Are Are Are! Ghar mein hi ghamasaan ho raha hai ye toh😂😂
— Arpit Sharma (@iArpitSpeaks) May 18, 2023
This is why I LOVE TWITTER hahahahahahaha
— Shahzeb Khan (@theshahzebkhan) May 18, 2023
Rajat Ji: pic.twitter.com/EWN1q317VK
— Aman_Chain 🇮🇳 (@Amanprabhat9) May 18, 2023
— 👑Che_ಕೃಷ್ಣ🇮🇳💛❤️ (@ChekrishnaCk) May 18, 2023
https://twitter.com/koliesque/status/1659279676156805120