AB de Villiers predicted that RCB will win this year's IPL and put an end to their 18-year title wait, one day after criticizing IPL commentators for making unwarranted comments about the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowlers in their most recent group match against Lucknow Super Giants. Following RCB's 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, the top team in the league, in the Qualifier 1 on Thursday, de Villiers made his remarks as the team earned a straight route to the championship for the first time since 2016.

De Villiers stated that Virat Kohli, a legendary figure for RCB, has forbade him from using the well-known Kannada phrase "Ee Sala Cup Namde," which means "This year the cup is ours." But he thinks that RCB will win this time and put an end to the never-ending wait.

"Now is the moment. RCB is going all the way. Because Virat instructed me that I am no longer permitted to use the Bengaluru terms, I am unable to do so. However, I firmly believe that we will go all the way this year. de Villiers urged the RCB supporters to "stay tuned, buckle up, and enjoy the ride" while speaking to ESPNCricinfo after their response victory against PBKS.

De Villiers had previously discussed the factors contributing to RCB's success this season, following their victory against LSG that secured them a spot in the top two and a place in Qualifier 1.

"This season, I'm most thrilled by the fact that a number of players are stepping up, not simply one or two." It's not only a Chris Gayle from the past or the typical Virat Kohli. We can now see the entire team reacting under pressure, according to de Villiers.

The IPL final will feature RCB as a result of Hazlewood and Suryash's efforts.

In 14.1 overs, RCB bowled out the home side for 101, which caused the Punjab Kings' ultra-aggressive strategy to fail miserably.

Since the league's start in 2008, RCB has made it to three finals (2009, 2011, 2016) but has yet to win the IPL. The team successfully chased down the modest target in 10 overs thanks to a combative fifty from opener Phil Salt (56 not out off 27). RCB advanced to the championship game, which is set to take place in Ahmedabad on June 3, with a near-flawless showing.

In Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on June 1, the Punjab Kings, who are making their first play-off appearance since 2014, will have another opportunity to advance to the championship.

Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Yash Dayal (2/26), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17), and Josh Hazlewood (3/21) bowled fast for RCB, taking four wickets in the powerplay and silencing PBKS' formidable top order. Later, leg-spinner Suyash Sharma grabbed 3/17 to wipe out the middle order.

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