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The Royal Challengers Bangalore beat the Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs in a do-or-die game on May 18. CSK needed 72 off the final five overs to make it through to the playoffs and a flurry of attacking shots from Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni brought the target down to 17 to qualify in the last over.
With 35 runs conceded in his previous overs combined, Yash Dayal was entrusted with the final over. Dhoni seemed to turn the tide by smashing a hip-high leg-stump full-toss for an impressive 110-meter six. Nevertheless, Dhoni was outfoxed by a well-executed back-of-the-hand delivery from Dayal immediately afterwards as he skied it to Swapnil Singh in the deep. CSK managed only single off the next two deliveries, requiring 10 runs from the final two deliveries, reminiscent of previous season’s final, with even the same batter on strike (Jadeja).
With 10 runs required from the last two balls, Dayal bowled a brave delivery that deceived Jadeja, who swung and missed twice in a row as RCB clinched the win, leading to ecstatic celebrations. Ambati Rayudu, who represented CSK in 90 matches between 2018 and 2023, was providing commentary for JioCinema on their Hindi panel.
Reaction of Ambati Rayudu after CSK were knocked out. pic.twitter.com/QUczM0uqQg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2024
Also Read: IPL 2024: Dinesh Karthik explains how Dhoni’s six helped RCB trump CSK to enter playoffs
Having secured three titles with the Chennai-based franchise, he would have been rooting for his former team to emerge victorious. After Jadeja was unable to connect with Dayal’s deliveries, Rayudu’s reaction was filmed. He looked utterly speechless, covering his face with his hands in deep sorrow and disbelief, as his co-panelists enthusiastically continued their commentary.
Meanwhile, RCB advanced to the playoffs, joining Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad while CSK crashed out with the defeat. RCB will play the Eliminator on May 22 in Ahmedabad against the team finishing on third spot.