Royal Challengers Bangalore failed in their bid for a playoff spot in the IPL 2023 season for the first time since 2019, putting an end to their three-year streak. Their hopes were dashed as they suffered a defeat against the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
This loss allowed Mumbai Indians to secure the final playoff spot, leaving RCB to settle for the sixth position in the standings. In the aftermath of this heartbreaking defeat, former captain Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt message for RCB fans, and Shubman Gill, the player responsible for orchestrating Bangalore’s loss, responded in a remarkable manner.
On the final league day of IPL 2023, the situation was set for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to secure a victory if the Mumbai Indians managed to defeat the Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground.
Unfortunately for RCB, the Sunrisers Hyderabad were unable to stop the Mumbai Indians, and RCB’s fate rested solely on their own match against the Gujarat Titans (GT).
Despite having the advantage of playing in their home conditions, RCB faltered and could not emerge victorious. Shubman Gill’s remarkable century outshined Virat Kohli’s consecutive second hundred, leading to RCB’s defeat by six wickets.
Following the defeat, Virat Kohli expressed his gratitude to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans through an Instagram post. Kohli shared glimpses from the final game and acknowledged the fans’ unwavering support for the franchise.
In his message, Kohli acknowledged that although the season had its memorable moments, RCB ultimately fell short of their goal. Despite the disappointment, Kohli emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and holding their heads high.
He expressed deep appreciation for the loyal supporters who stood by the team throughout the journey. Kohli also extended his gratitude to the coaches, management, and teammates, highlighting the collective effort.
Concluding his post, Kohli expressed the team’s determination to come back stronger in the future, concluding with a mention of RCB’s official handle.
A few hours later, Shubman Gill responded to Virat Kohli’s Instagram post. Instead of writing any words, Gill expressed his admiration for Kohli by using emoticons. He chose to use a crown emojis, symbolizing Kohli as the king. This gesture was a nod to Kohli’s leadership and excellence on the cricket field. It served as a silent acknowledgment and tribute to Kohli’s stature in the game.