IPL 2023: Dejected Virat Kohli lauds Shubman Gill's masterclass after RCB crashes out of tournament

Following a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans on Sunday, May 21, Royal Challengers Bangalore got knocked out of the IPL 2023 playoffs race. Virat Kohli scored a sensational century and helped RCB post 197 runs on board in 20 overs but courtesy of a Shubman Gill masterclass in M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the home team were once again left disappointed after the match.

Notably, Kohli had his head buried under the cap towards the fag end of the match as he looked very emotional. The 34-year-old was also spotted throwing a water bottle in the dugout as Gujarat was getting closer to the total. However, amidst all this, the ‘King’, as he is popularly known, appreciated Shubman Gill after the latter scored his second consecutive century in the cash-rich league. After the match, he was seen embracing Gill before thanking the crowd for their support throughout the course of the season.

Mumbai Indians qualify for IPL playoffs

The five-time champions Mumbai Indians defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets and moved an inch closer to the playoffs on Sunday evening. However, the Rohit Sharma-led side had to wait and watch RCB’s game as their fate completely depended on GT’s hand. Meanwhile, much to their delight, Gujarat managed to defeat Bangalore and helped Mumbai qualify for another playoff.

Meanwhile, in their match against Hyderabad, Mumbai managed to chase down 201 runs in just 18 overs. Australia international Cameron Green wreaked havoc, scoring 100* runs off 47 deliveries while skipper Rohit Sharma hit 56 runs off 37 deliveries. They led the foundation as Mumbai pulled off an incredible win at Wankhede Stadium.

Next up, the team will travel to Chennai to take on Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator, which is slated to take place on May 24. The winner of the match will move to Qualifier 2 while the loser will bow out of the tournament.