Faf du Plessis Dedicates Player-of-the-Match Award to Pacer Yash Dayal After RCB Clinch Playoff Spot

Cric News India IPL News 2025

May 19, 2024 0 985

RCB skipper Faf du Plessis praised Yash Dayal and dedicated his Player-of-the-Match award to him after their dramatic playoff-clinching win over CSK.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis lauded young pacer Yash Dayal for his composure in the final over, which secured a thrilling 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the battle for the final IPL playoff berth.

Faf Du Plessis, awarded Player of the Match for his knock of 54 runs off 39 balls, highlighted Dayal’s contribution alongside his own and Virat Kohli’s 47, which laid the foundation for RCB’s imposing total of 218 for five.

Chasing a target of 201 to qualify for the playoffs, CSK mounted a valiant fightback led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. However, they fell agonisingly short, needing 17 runs off the final over. Dayal, despite being hit for a six by Dhoni on the first ball, held his nerve and delivered the victory for RCB.

“I dedicate the Man of the Match (award) to Yash Dayal! I told him pace off on this wicket is the best option,” said Faf in a post-match presentation.

The match was briefly interrupted by a 40-minute rain shower, but RCB’s batting performance, with contributions from multiple batters, proved crucial. Du Plessis also acknowledged the passionate home crowd and the electrifying atmosphere of the high-pressure encounter. “What a night! Such a great atmosphere. It was just a pleasure to finish the season in front of the home fans. There was a lot of rain falling on the pitch, and you don’t want that moisture. It felt like a day-five Test match in Ranchi!” added Faf.

ALSO READ | WATCH | Virat Kohli In Tears After RCB Secures Playoffs Position Defeating CSK By 27 Runs

“The contributions from many batters at good strikes—I’m really proud. We were defending 175 (and neither 201 nor 218)! We tried to get the ball changed tonight,” concluded the RCB skipper.

Nevertheless, this dramatic win will be a confidence booster for RCB, who will now be aiming for the eliminators and, after that, their maiden IPL trophy. RCB will be playing the eliminator on May 22nd.