Virat Kohli's RCB opening partner to be changed as Faf du Plessis gets taken down by former Indian chief selector

Former India batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth wants to see some changes in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing XI for their upcoming IPL 2024 matches. Srikkanth, while speaking to Star Sports after RCB lost to Kolkata Knight Riders 2 days ago, claimed that captain Faf du Plessis should be taking a big decision to push himself further down the order at number 3.

Srikkanth was extremely critical of the way certain RCB players played in the clash against KKR in front of home support at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium. Their entire batting order led by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis in the opening slot got off to a mixed start as the Indian batsman was the only one to put up an impressive performance.

Questions are constantly being raised about the form and performance of Faf du Plessis, who is in his 3rd season in charge as the skipper of the South Indian franchise.

He hasn’t played according to the expectations and he is, as of now, looking like the weakest link in the top order. The South African had started quite well against his former team CSK in the IPL 2024 opener but his form has dipped severely in the last two outings against Punjab Kings and KKR.

Srikkanth says Will Jacks should replace Faf du Plessis in the opening slot

During his conversation with fellow Star Sports panelists, Kris Srikkanth lashed out at Faf du Plessis for his poor form and suggested he come down at 3. Srikkanth suggested that England’s batting all-rounder

Will Jacks should be pairing up with Virat Kohli in the opening slot to get the team off to blistering starts, something the RCB captain has failed to deliver so far.

Another reason why Srikkanth wants to see Jacks included in the team is because of his ability to bowl right-arm off-spin. Thus his inclusion will not only help the batting unit but he can also chip in with the bowl.

The former Indian opener then revealed his batting order for RCB’s next match, stating that Jacks and Kohli will form the opening pair, Faf du Plessis as number 3, Cameron Green at 4, and Glenn Maxwell in at number 5.

“Will Jacks is a brilliant off-spinner, I think we can push him for 2 overs. The line-up according to me should be if I was the captain. Will Jacks, and Virat Kohli to open. Faf du Plessis at No. 3, Cameron Green at 4, Glenn Maxwell.” – Srikkanth said via Star Sports.

Srikkanth wants RCB to drop Alzarri Joseph and Rajat Patidar

Srikkanth, aka Chika, then bashed RCB’s other 2 weak links – 11 Crore buy Alzarri Joseph and top-order batsman Rajat Patidar. Both of them have been terrible in their performances with Joseph picking up only 1 wicket as of now and Patidar scoring 0, 18, and 3 in the first 3 matches. Srikkanth wants RCB to drop both of them and give a chance to homegrown pacer Akash Deep, who recently shined with the red ball during his debut Test match against England at Ranchi.

Srikkanth feels that if the Faf du Plessis-led side does so, then RCB will become a much more balanced side, and their chances of bowling beaming bouncers will also increase.

“Then you drop Alzarri Joseph, drop Patidar, and play an Indian fast bowler – Akash Deep. Then what happens is that you have good balance with both bat and ball. Otherwise, you will be struggling while bowling. Yesterday I was surprised that RCB did not bowl a single bouncer to the throat.” – Kris Srikkanth concluded.