IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir appreciates RCB's 'phenomenal character' after narrow defeat to KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a dramatic one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a high-scoring IPL 2024 game at Eden Gardens on April 21. Despite RCB's brilliant effort in the chase, KKR held their nerves till the end to defend 222. 

Despite RCB's heartbreaking loss, the current KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir was quick to laud the opponent's extraordinary fighting spirit and character. He took to his X handle to praise the visitors' efforts. "Phenomenal display of character by RCB today," his post read.

KKR's Phil Salt gave a solid start with his quickfire 48 off 14 balls. Skipper Shreyas Iyer held on to one end and scored 50 off 36 to post a total of 222/6 after being asked to bat first.

RCB's run chase got off to a poor start as they lost Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis cheaply, but Will Jacks (55 off 32) and Rajat Patidar (52 off 23) steadied the ship, putting on 102 runs for the third wicket to bring RCB back into the contest.

Also read: Virat Kohli apparently discusses his World Cup 2023 dismissal with Gautam Gambhir

KKR pull off a last-ball victory over RCB

Just when it seemed RCB had the upper hand, the experienced Andre Russell turned the match towards the hosts with a double strike, removing Jacks and Patidar in the same over and then the dangerous Dinesh Karthik in the penultimate over. RCB still had their chances needing 19 off the final over but fell agonizingly short by one run to be bowled out for 221.

From 35/2, they turned the table all thanks to Jacks and Patidar's brilliant counter-attacking knocks. Even when Russell seemed to have sealed the game for KKR, Karn Sharma's lusty blows in the final over off Mitchell Starc showed RCB's spirit to fight till the end.

Also read: Navjot Singh Sidhu extends support to Kohli after controversial dismissal vs KKR

The Kolkata-based franchise finds itself at the second position in the points table with 10 points, while RCB are at the bottom with just two points.