Saturday night’s euphoria in the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp, complete with its “Thank You Mumbai” notes, must now give way to deep resolve as they brace for battle against an opponent smarting over being denied at the doorstep of a Qualifier 1 (Q1) slot. From the convenience of that two throws of the dice, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have now been thrust onto the more difficult road to redemption.

It’s Eliminator time at IPL 2022, and there will be no second chance for the one who slips at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The winners get to fight it out with Rajasthan Royals, the losers of Q1, in Ahmedabad on Friday for a place in Sunday’s final.