"Fresh and motivated to do well" - Faf du Plessis in awe of Virat Kohli's performance as RCB outshine PBKS
Published - 26 Mar 2024, 02:03 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:08 AM
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis opened up about the win his side registered in the game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He lavished rich praise on Virat Kohli for his performance, stating that the batter is motivated to do well.
After facing a loss in the first game, Royal Challengers Bengaluru made sure they registered their first win of the season. The Faf du Plessis-led side defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 4 wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday (25th March).
Virat Kohli was the chief architect behind RCB’s win over PBKS. The batter played a magnificent innings for his team and helped them chase the target of 177 runs. Bowlers made a valiant effort with the ball as they jolted the opposition with timely blows and put them under pressure.
Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers with his figures of 2/26. Glenn Maxwell also bagged two wickets as Royal Challengers Bengaluru restricted the opposition to a total of 176 runs on the board.
In the chase, Virat Kohli held the one end and made sure he kept his team in the hunt while wickets kept falling at the other end. He played a magnificent innings of 77 runs while batting at the top but after his wicket, RCB came under pressure yet again.
But it was Dinesh Karthik (28*) who oozed his class in the end and took his team past the finishing line. Mahipal Lomror (17*) also supported him well as Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered their first win of the season by 4 wickets.
Faf du Plessis admitted that even though they lost wickets in the end but he was optimistic about them winning the game. He also praised Dinesh Karthik for winning the game for his team and while speaking to broadcasters, he stated:
“On the outside, not as much on the inside (was he calm?). Early in the competition you want to make sure you get over the line. Felt we were in the position to do that sooner. With the new rule, we knew we had Mahipal coming in – has a lot of power.
“Now with the extra batter, you feel like even 14-15 rpo is gettable. Really pleased for him (DK). I said it the other night – really important for him to get his IPL going with confidence.”
Virat Kohli was important on that pitch – Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis also was in awe of Virat Kohli, saying that his innings was important on the pitch. The RCB skipper stated that the India batter is enjoying himself and is passionate about playing the game for his cricket. He added:
“There’s obviously a plan – from the auction – to find some sort of DNA. It is a unique ground. Even tonight the pitch was a bit different. Virat was important on that pitch. He’s still enjoying himself, very passionate about playing cricket. Fresh and motivated to do well.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be next seen in action when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday (29th March).
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Faf du Plessis Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 IPL 2024 Punjab Kings (PBKS) RCB vs PBKS Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Virat Kohli