In a bitter-sweet message, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) respond to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) defeat and elimination from the playoffs. The message carries significance due to the history between the franchises.
Heated Exchange and Altercation
During the match on May 1, LSG seamer Naveen-ul-Haq and former RCB captain Virat Kohli engaged in a heated verbal exchange. Videos circulated on social media, capturing both players swearing at each other. Even after the match, where RCB emerged victorious, Kohli and Naveen continued their confrontation during the handshake.
Consequently, the situation escalated as Virat and LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir confronted each other, requiring intervention to separate them. This altercation, involving all three individuals, made headlines alongside the game’s intense back-and-forth performances.
Repercussions and Cryptic Messages
Swift repercussions followed the heated incident. Gautam and Virat received fines equal to 100 percent of their match fees, while Naveen faced a 50 percent fine. RCB’s social media handle shared a video of the players celebrating their win, featuring Kohli’s words, “That’s a sweet win boys. A sweet win. Let’s go. If you can give it, you got to take it. Otherwise, don’t give it.” Yet, enigmatic Instagram stories from Kohli and Naveen left fans scratching their heads.
RCB’s Elimination and LSG’s Message
In a crucial match against the Gujarat Titans, Bangalore’s hopes of making it to the playoffs were shattered. The defending champions, led by opener Shubman Gill’s consecutive hundred, achieved a comfortable victory. As a result, RCB got knocked out, and the Mumbai Indians secured a playoff spot by defeating a depleted Sunrisers Hyderabad side.
Meanwhile, LSG successfully reached the knockout stage for the second consecutive time in the IPL. They conveyed a cryptic message to Virat Kohli and his team, stating, “Give it? Take it? Let’s leave it. 🤝 Well fought, @RCBTweets. See you next season. 🤙”
Road Ahead and Final Showdown
With the top two teams, Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, set to face off in Qualifier 1 on May 23rd at Chepauk, the 3rd and 4th ranked teams, LSG and MI, will battle it out in the Eliminator on May 24th at the same venue.
The winner of the Eliminator will face the loser of the GT vs. CSK game. The triumphant team in that match will advance to the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 28th, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.