Cricket News: Kohli will do everything to keep RCB in playoffs race: Moody

As the league round of the biggest T20 tournament comes to a finish, the competition for the IPL 2023 playoffs heats up. As many as five teams remain in contention for the three available playoff slots.

Royal Challengers Bangalore will meet Sunrisers Hyderabad at the latter's backyard in an attempt to win a playoff berth. With two crucial points on the line, RCB are eager to go against SRH, who are playing for dignity after being ousted from the top-four competition.

A defeat tonight will finish the competitive campaign of Faf du Plessis's team. Their defeat ensures that CSK and LSG, both on 15 points, will qualify for the playoffs. Even if RCB loses tonight, MI will be in contention. Many teams will be keeping a close eye on this Southern Derby between these two historic rivals.

Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody believes the Royal Challengers Bangalore are in this scenario as a result of the losses they suffered midway through the season. The team's campaign has been hit and miss during IPL 2023, which has hampered them.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Tom Moody said,

"RCB's form has tapered off through the halfway stage, they started well but lost steam in the second phase. So they need to pull up their socks and go full throttle in the remaining games. They have a player like Virat Kohli, who will do everything in his potential to help RCB stay in the playoffs race."

Former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan emphasised the lack of collaboration in RCB's campaign this year, as the squad appeared to be excessively reliant on KGF (Kohli, Maxwell, and Faf) once again.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Yusuf Pathan said,

"RCB will have to play as a team. Now is not the time that RCB should focus on just three players (Kohli, Maxwell and Faf). Now every player will have to come forward and fulfil his responsibility."

Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals trounced the Punjab Kings comfortably on Tuesday, thereby ending Shikhar Dhawan's team's postseason aspirations.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan stated that Punjab's defeat has provided some relaxation in the RCB, MI, and CSK camps ahead of their crucial games.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said,

"RCB are in an advantageous position with Punjab Kings' loss. MI will also fancy their chances but their fate will also hinge on the result of the match between CSK and DC."

Irfan also lauded Delhi Capitals bowlers Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav for making effective use of the Dharamsala track and preventing Punjab Kings batters from scoring freely.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said,

"The six overs bowled by Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav made the difference on the Dharamshala track. But PBKS team management's faulty strategies are also to be blamed. Those errors cost them dearly."

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