(Cricket news) The IPL 2023 playoff campaign for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) came to a conclusion on Sunday after an exciting match between the defending champion Gujarat Titans and RCB at the MA Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB fell short of the mark of 198 as Gujarat Titans completed the chase with only five balls remaining, despite the best efforts of their ace batter, Virat Kohli.

In their allotted 20 overs, RCB had amassed a formidable total of 197 for the cost of just 5 wickets, showcasing their excellent batting skills. For RCB Virat Kohli slammed his 7th IPL century as he scored 101* (61b, 14×4, 1×6). After this hundred, Virat Kohli surpassed Chirs Gayle for most number of centuries in IPL. But there was no support for Kohli as other batsmen failed to score more than 30 runs. 

Noor Ahmed took 2 wickets as he gave 39 runs in his 4 overs spell. Noor was supported by his teammates Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami and Yash Dalal who took a wicket each in their 4 overs spell.

While chasing GT had good partnerships and their main batsman Shubman GIll played throughout the innings and ensured the win for his side. Shubman scored an unbeaten 104* (52b, 5×4, 8×6) and he was supported by Vijay Shankar who scored 53 (35b, 7×4, 2×6) which made it easy to chase the total set by RCB of 198 runs.

For RCB Mohammed Siraj took 2 wickets in his 4 overs spell and gave away 32 runs. Other RCB bowlers Vyshak Vijay Kumar and Harshal Patel took a wicket each in 4 overs. This bowling performance was not good enough to stop GT from chasing the total. The bowling for RCB has been inconsistent throughout the tournament. 

In 19.1 overs, GT successfully chased down the target, reaching a total of 198 for 4, and earning a well-deserved victory. This demonstrated their tenacity and expertise. This victory not only widened Gujarat’s advantage at the top but also dashed RCB’s hopes of making it to the championship game and winning the coveted IPL trophy.

Due to RCB’s untimely departure from the league, Mumbai Indians (MI) had the opportunity to play LSG in the eliminator to qualify for the playoffs. The turn of events allowed MI to successfully advance to the playoffs by taking advantage of RCB’s loss.

RCB vs GT was the last group stage match. Teams GT, CSK, LSG and MI finished in the top 4 and will play the playoffs. The playoffs will be played in Chennai and Ahmedabad. GT and CSK will play the qualifier 1 in Chennai. The eliminator will be played between MI and LSG at Chennai. 

After the match Faf du Plessis is still in the lead for orange cap but there is new competition for him as Shubman gill is just 50 runs behind him and Shubman will for sure play2 matches in this IPL season. Faf currently the highest runs scorer is on 730 runs and not far behind but we have Shubman Gill in second with 680 runs scored. 

Mohammed Shami is the purple cap leader with the most wickets that are 24. But his teammate Rashid Khan is tied with him on 24 wickets. They both will atleast play 2 matches to spice things up. There is a twist in the tail as Piyush Chawla from MI has 20 wickets and he will be playing LSG in the eliminator and surely will be looking for the purple cap as well. 

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