On 'Chasing' With Virat Kohli, RCB Captain Faf du Plessis' Glorious Take

04.04.2023 - 08:01 sports.ndtv.com

Following his team's 8-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis praised his match-winning 148-run opening partnership with Virat Kohli and said "that's how you chase a target." Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 and Faf du Plessis' 73 helped Royal Challengers Bangalore register a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday to start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season with a victory.

While Du Plessis scored 73, Kohli hit the winning six to finish with 82 unbeaten as RCB defeated MI by eight wickets and 22 balls to spare. "And that second innings, if you want to know how to chase a target, that's how you do it.

If you took pace off the ball, it wasn't too easy to play and there was something in it for the spinners but as a batter, if you got into good positions you could score runs," Faf du Plessis said in a post-match presentation.

Du Plessis added that it was "special" to play in Bengaluru. "My first time playing here as a home player and it's special, especially batting with Virat Kohli.

cricket on Virat Kohli Du Plessis Faf Du Plessis India Kolkata Bangalore

Star India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) unlocked a new record in fielding on Sunday, becoming the first player from his franchise and the third player overall to complete 100 catches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a fielder. He accomplished this feat during his side's IPL 2023 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the home arena of M Chinaswammy Stadium in Bengaluru.

"They Informed Me Last Time...": 'Captain' Virat Kohli Explains Faf du Plessis' Curious Case

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis chose to remain a substitute player for the second match in a row, prompting Virat Kohli to lead the side again against Rajasthan Royals. It was because of a minor rib injury that Du Plessis decided to only bat for RCB in the last game against Punjab Kings, and it seems like the South African hasn't fully recovered. When Kohli was asked about Du Plessis' scenario, he revealed that the team management had informed him that he might have to captain for a couple of games.

RCB Predicted XI Against RR In IPL 2023: Will Virat Kohli Captain Again?

Virat Kohli returned as Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper for the match against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) last time around, with full-time skipper Faf du Plessis deciding to become an 'Impact Player' due to a small injury problem. As the Bengaluru franchise takes on Rajasthan Royals in the first match of the double-header on Sunday, it would be interesting to see if a similar approach is opted for by RCB. Du Plessis and Kohli did the bulk of the scoring with the bat against PBKS but the franchise needs other batters to step up to, especially aginst an in-form side like the Royals.

Watch: "Ye Kaun Hai Bachcha..." - Virat Kohli's Hilarious Blindfold Challenge Ft. Sunil Chhetri

India and Royal Challengers Bangalore star batter Virat Kohli is one of the most energetic cricketers in world cricket at the moment. With Kohli, there's is never a dull moment, whether it's on-the-field or off-the-field. In a hilarious video shared on social media, Kohli took part in a blindfold challenge where he tried to identify his RCB teammates and Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri. The video was shared by Puma, RCB's official kit sponsor, on their Instagram handle with a caption: "Game recognises game".

IPL 2023: Ex-India Star Reveals Virat Kohli's 'Captaincy Masterstroke' In Win Over PBKS

With skipper Faf du Plessis unable to field due to a rib injury, Virat Kohli took over captaincy duty for Royal Challengers Bangalore during their game against Punjab Kings on Thursday. Kohli, who had stepped down from captaincy after IPL 2021, donned the captaincy hat for RCB, leading his team to a crucial 24-run win at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. RCB posted a total of 174/4 on the back of Faf (84) and Kohli's (59) 137-run partnership for the first wicket.

"Can't Waste Balls...": Australia Great Slams Virat Kohli, Faf Du Plessis For Poor Strike-Rate

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli hit half-centuries to set up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Faf hit 84 off 56 balls, while Kohli registered his 48th half-century, scoring 59 off 47 balls. While the pair added 137 runs for the first wicket in 16 overs, former Australia batter Matthew Hayden was not impressed with their scoring rate. Hayden criticised Faf and Kohli for wasting balls, saying that both players have to trust other batters.