NEW DELHI:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
's determination to fight for their self-respect after a dismal start to the season fueled their impressive run of six straight wins in the second half and helped them secure a spot in the
IPL 2024 Eliminator
, according to
Virat Kohli
.
Kohli's comments came after the team's winning run was halted by Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday
RCB's campaign began with a series of defeats, losing seven out of their first eight matches.
However, the team staged a stunning comeback, clinching victories in their next six games.
"We started expressing ourselves, started to play for our self-respect and then the confidence came back," said Kohli in a dressing-room chat with team-mates after the loss to RR in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
"The way we turned things around and qualified (for playoffs) was truly special, something that I will always, always cherish and remember, because it took a lot of character from each member of this team, something that we can be really proud of. And eventually we played the way we wanted to play," Kohli said.
RCB set a modest 172/8 target in the Eliminator which RR overhauled in 19 overs for the loss of six wickets.
RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, who took over from Kohli two seasons back, said that after such an incredible comeback the hope was to go all the way.
"The last six games have been really special given the way we turned it around. When you do something that special, your hopes are to do something even more special," said Du Plessis.
"We were extremely down halfway through the season. And once we got the momentum, we just ran with that.
"Sad that we as a group can't get those final two steps to get to the trophy. But if I look back on the season, from where we were, to where we finished, I am very proud of the boys," he added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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