IPL 2024 Eliminator: RCB Vs RR Practice Stopped Over Kohli Security Threat

Ahmedabad, May 22: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) abruptly cancelled their practice session ahead of the IPL 2024 Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to a probable security threat to star player Virat Kohli.

The Gujarat Police arrested four individuals at Ahmedabad airport on terror suspicion, leading to heightened security measures for the RCB team.

RCB were scheduled to practice at the Gujarat College ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday (May 21). However, they cancelled the session without an official explanation. According to sources quoted by Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika, the primary reason was a security threat to Virat Kohli.

Gujarat Police officials arrested four men suspected of terror activities, finding arms, suspicious videos, and text messages during the search of their hideout.

The Narendra Modi Stadium, the main venue for the Gujarat Cricket Association, was unavailable due to the IPL Qualifier 1 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Consequently, the Gujarat College ground was designated for RCB and RR's practice sessions.

Despite the security concerns, Rajasthan Royals proceeded with their regular nets session at the same venue, though notable players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Riyan Parag, and Yuzvendra Chahal opted to stay back at the hotel.

Heightened Security Measures in Ahmedabad

Security was significantly increased around RCB's team hotel. A separate entry was created for the team, restricting access to other guests and even IPL-accredited media personnel. Meanwhile, RR arrived at the practice ground using a "green corridor," escorted by three police convoys. The training session for RR was conducted under heavy security surveillance, with policemen patrolling the entire area.

Cancelled Press Conference

Both teams decided to cancel the pre-match press conference, an unusual move before a crucial IPL knockout match. The lack of official communication from RCB regarding the cancellation of their practice session added to the speculation surrounding the security threat.

What Did Ahmedabad Police Say?

"Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority," stated Vijay Singha Jwala, a police officer involved in the security arrangements.

"RCB did not want to take any risks. They informed us that there would be no practice session. Rajasthan Royals were also informed about the development but decided to proceed with their practice."

RR vs RCB - IPL 2024 Playoff Stakes

RR missed a top-two finish after losing four consecutive matches. Their final league match against KKR was washed out, allowing SRH to secure the second spot. On the other hand, RCB made a remarkable comeback by winning six consecutive matches, including a crucial victory against Chennai Super Kings, to secure their playoff spot.