The first six overs felt like Test cricket: Faf du Plessis

Royal Challengers Bangalore's dream of breaking the duck has come to nuts once again as the team lost the second qualifier to be knocked out of the IPL 2022, letting Rajasthan Royals fix a date with Gujarat Titans in the final on May 29 (Sunday). Jos Buttler made a mockery of the run chase but Prasidh Krishna flew under the radar to bowl the spell of his life that sucked the juice out of RCB batters. In the first 6 overs, RCB could just manage 46 runs and failed to capitalize after that, ensuring an uneven finish of 157 runs, which the Royals chased down in 18.1 overs. 

Speaking about the shambolic batting display, Faf du Plessis suggested that 180 was a par score on that pitch and failing to do that was a big dent on their chances.

"When we walked off the field, we felt were a few short. Was challenging the first 3-4 overs, were a movement. Felt 180 was a par score on that pitch. First six overs felt like Test cricket. Compared to the other wickets, this one was quicker off the new ball, and then it eased off later in the innings," du Plessis told Star Sports after the game.

However, the South African, who was appointed the skipper of the side in his first season with RCB, was incredibly proud of his squad and the individual moves that his side has managed to make this year.

"Great season for RCB. Really proud. My first season coming in and seeing how special the fans are everywhere we go. A big thank you to everyone coming out and supporting us. Have had some incredible performances for us. Harshal has been amazing. DK.. all the guys picked for India. Obviously disappointed tonight. Came up against a really strong Rajasthan team who probably deserve it more than us," the Saffer added.

One of the finds of the season for RCB was Rajat Patidar, who played two stupendous knocks in the playoffs to keep the side floating. The skipper believes that he would play a crucial role for the side in the next couple of years, while singling him out as a "great future of Indian cricket".

"Nice young talent in our squad, and obviously with a 3-year plan.. that's what you try to maximise.. you get them raw at the beginning but they can turn into superstars. We've seen that Rajat, since he's came in, has looked at home. A great future of Indian cricket. You can always pick three Indian teams after the IPL with the amount of young talent coming through."