Vijay Mallya issues an official statement after RCB make it to the IPL 2024 Playoffs

Former Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB) co-owner Vijay Mallya expressed his delight and extended his congratulations to Faf du Plessis and his company for qualifying for the IPL 2024 playoffs.

The RCB qualified for the IPL 2024 Playoffs after they crushed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs in the crucial clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 18.

Mallya hailed RCB for their remarkable turnaround after a challenging start to the season. He further praised the Bangaluru-based franchise for their determination and skill, which have built strong winning momentum for the team in the ongoing lucrative T20 tournament.

Heartiest congratulations to RCB for qualifying in the top four: Vijay Mallya

The former RCB co-owner also expressed optimism for the team's continued success in the IPL 2024 Playoffs and encouraged them to strive for the IPL trophy, as their remarkable comeback has made them one of the strongest contenders for their first-ever championship.

Vijay Mallya wrote on the microblogging site X: “Heartiest congratulations to RCB for qualifying in the top four and reaching the IPL playoffs. Great determination and skill have created a winning momentum after a disappointing start. Onward and upward towards the trophy.”

Heartiest congratulations to RCB for qualifying in the top four and reaching the IPL playoffs. Great determination and skill have created a winning momentum after a disappointing start. Onward and upward towards the trophy.

— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) M<!---->a<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

RCB vs CSK Match Highlights

Meanwhile, the RCB secured their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons with a thrilling win over CSK at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 18. Earlier in the season, RCB was going through a tough phase, losing seven out of their first eight matches in the tournament.

However, the team showed remarkable resilience and unity to script a historic comeback. Speaking about the RCB vs CSK clash, Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli established a solid foundation with a 78-run opening partnership.

Kohli contributed a quick knock of 47 off 29 balls, while the RCB skipper scored 54 off 39 balls against the defending champions. Then, Rajat Patidar continued the momentum with a brisk 41 off 23 balls in the middle overs.

Well, some valuable contributions from Cameron Green (38 not out off 17 balls), Dinesh Karthik (14 off 6), and Glenn Maxwell (16 off 5) propelled RCB to a formidable total of 218/5 in their 20 overs.

RCB needed to restrict CSK to 201 or fewer runs to book a place in the IPL 2024 Playoffs. On the other hand, Rachin Ravindra (61 off 37 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (42 not out off 22 balls) played brilliantly, but the wickets were falling to another side, which didn’t really help the CSK.

MS Dhoni also played a laudable knock of 25 runs off 13 balls, but he couldn’t win a playoff berth for the defending champions, as they finished at 191/7 in their allotted 20 overs against RCB, allowing the hosts to make it to the top four of the ongoing IPL 2024.

The RCB will next face either the Rajasthan Royals (RR) or the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024 Eliminator. The RR will face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while the SRH will take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their final league games on Sunday, May 19.