Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis spoke about the victory his team recorded in the match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He lavished high praise on Virat Kohli for his performance and stated that the batsman is motivated to do well.
After facing a defeat in the first game, Royal Challengers Bengaluru made sure to register their first win of the season. The Faf du Plessis-led team defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 4 wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday (March 25).
Virat Kohli was the main architect of RCB’s victory over PBKS. The batsman played a magnificent innings for his team and helped them chase the target of 177 runs. The bowlers made a valiant effort with the ball as they rattled the opponents with well-timed hits and put pressure on them.
Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the players 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 one end and made sure to keep his team in the hunt as wickets continued to fall 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 again.
But it was Dinesh Karthik (28*) who showed his class in the end and took his team to the finish line. Mahipal Lomror (17*) also supported him well as Royal Challengers Bengaluru recorded their first win of the season by 4 wickets.
Faf du Plessis admitted that although they lost wickets in the end, he was optimistic about them winning the game. He also praised Dinesh Karthik for winning the match for his team and while talking to broadcasters, he stated:
“On the outside, not so much on the inside (was it calm?). At the beginning of the competition, you need to make sure you get over the line. I felt like we were in a position to do it sooner. With the new rule, we knew Mahipal would come in, he has a lot of power.
“Now, with the extra hitter, you feel like you can even get 14-15 rpo. Really happy for him (DK). I said it the other night: it is really important for him to be able to run the IPL from him with confidence.”
Virat Kohli was important in that field – Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis was also amazed by Virat Kohli and said that his innings were important on the field. The RCB captain stated that the India batsman is having fun and is passionate about playing cricket. He added:
“There is obviously a plan – from the auction – to find some kind of DNA. It is a unique terrain. Even tonight the field was a little different. Virat was important in that field. He is still having fun and is passionate about playing cricket. Fresh and motivated to do well.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next be seen in action when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday (March 29).