The match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2023 was a close one, where both teams struggled to score runs and the bowlers put up an intense fight. Despite the low-scoring nature of the game, it turned out to be a thrilling encounter with a nail-biting finish where Virat Kohli and his RCB won the match.
In the end, the Royal Challengers Bangalore emerged victorious, defeating the Lucknow Super Giants by 18 runs and earning two more points in the tournament. During the post match, things got all heated up between two former Indian teammates and Delhi mates Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir.
RCB batted first and managed to score 126 runs while losing nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The team’s captain, Faf du Plessis, played a crucial role in their innings, scoring 44 runs off 40 balls. Virat Kohli’s contribution of 31 runs also played a significant part in helping RCB reach a competitive total on the scoreboard.
Initially, the total posted by RCB seemed to be 20 runs less than what could be considered a match-winning one. However, the Royal Challengers Bangalore capitalized on the situation and with a clinical display of bowling, led by Josh Hazlewood, they were able to turn the match in their favor. The RCB team’s fate was sealed as the Lucknow Super Giants were bowled out for just 108 runs.
The rivalry between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir began to circulate and after the game concluded, the situation turned unpleasant and intense for two of India’s most esteemed cricketers.
While Kohli continues to be one of the leading players in the sport, Gambhir’s career had stagnated, leaving him in a state of uncertainty and then eventually retired. The animosity between the two former captains was palpable and continued to dominate the situation.
The longstanding rivalry between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir originated a decade ago when they faced off against each other while playing for their respective franchises.
However, in 2023, the tension between them resurfaced when Gambhir asked RCB fans to be quiet during a match at Chinnaswamy. Kohli responded in kind when RCB secured a decisive win against LSG at Ekana Sports City.
In fact, in a statement directed towards the Gautam Gambhir mentored brigade, Kohli stated, “If you can dish it out, you’ve got to be able to take it. Otherwise, don’t dish it out at all.” A video of the following statement is going viral on social media.
Virat Kohli said, "if you can give it, you gotta take it back as well. Otherwise don't give it".
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 2, 2023
King Kohli is fired up! pic.twitter.com/xCa83n5z0Y
Virat Kohli said , 🗣️ "if you can give it, you gotta take it back as well. Otherwise don't give it".
— ಪ್ರೇಮ್ ♡ (@premthoogudeepa) May 2, 2023
King Kohli is fired up! 🔥🔥#ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/ttH0ZRpbnt
LSG v RCB, Game Day Dressing Room Reactions
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 2, 2023
King Kohli reacts to the win, Faf explains the crucial partnership and how Virat’s aggression helps the team, Karn and Hazlewood talk about their performances, before the team sang the victory song. Watch Game Day for more…#PlayBold pic.twitter.com/Jr0kCzYoIa