In a massive turn of events, RCB called off their only practice session before the IPL 2024 eliminator against RR. The Faf du Plessis-led RCB were supposed to practice at the Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, but the session was canceled without any given reason. Additionally, there was no press conference on the eve of this critical encounter. According to a report in Anandabazar, the Narendra Modi Stadium was unavailable for practice on Tuesday, leading to the offer of the Gujarat College Ground. However, it has now emerged that a security threat to Virat Kohli led to RCB canceling their session.
4 Arrested on Suspicion as Security Threat to Virat Kohli Looms
The report states that Gujarat Police have arrested four individuals at Ahmedabad Airport on suspicion of terror activities. Arms, suspicious videos, and text messages were reportedly recovered from the suspects. The information was shared with both teams — RCB and RR.
“Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority,” said Vijay Singha Jwala, a police officer. “RCB did not want to take a risk. They informed us that there would be no practice session. Rajasthan Royals were also informed about the development, but they had no problems going ahead with their practice.”
Security Tightened Outside RCB & RR Hotels
The report also reveals that security was tightened outside the team hotel of Bengaluru. A separate entry for the players was created, which was not accessible to any of the guests. Accredited media personnel were also barred from entering the hotel. On the other hand, RR came to the practice session using the ‘green corridor.’
Notably, the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Riyan Parag, and Yuzvendra Chahal skipped the session. The RR players present at the practice session were under heavy security watch, with police patrolling the area.
