'It’s My First Time...', Faf du Plessis After RCB Cleans Up MI
Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli in action against MI (Source: Twitter/BCCI)
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) launched their IPL 2023 campaign with an eight-wicket win over five-time winners Mumbai Indians. Skipper Faf du Plessis and his opening partner Virat Kohli charted splendid half-centuries to brush aside the visitors in front of a packed M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
RCB players celebrate huge win in IPL 2023 opener
Faf du Plessis praises Siraj, acknowledges RCB home experience
RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj claimed figures of 1-21 amidst Mumbai Indians’ 171-7 upfront. The speedster removed Ishan Kishan within the powerplay and kept a lid on Mumbai Indians scoring rate throughout his four-over spell.
In response, openers Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli launched an all-out assault in their run-chase, and wiped 148 runs off their target with their opening stand itself. The two cricketers listed remarkable fifty-plus scores before the skipper was deceived by Arshad Khan’s slower length ball.
The South African batting legend registered a 43-ball 73, with five boundaries and six sixes to his name. His opening partner Kohli remained unbeaten and guided his side past the finishing line with his 49-ball 82, as RCB completed their response with 22 balls to spare.
After the match, Faf du Plessis hailed Siraj’s efforts with the ball, and also credited the groundsmen for creating a high-scoring surface. He also acknowledged his experience of playing as a RCB home player for the first time, and batting alongside Kohli in front of a packed crowd. The former South African batter said:
“It was a nice way to start the way we did in the powerplay. Siraj with his tail up is a beautiful thing. The bowler stuck to their task, The last two or three overs, was a bit of learning. The cutters were working really well, it was not easy to hit the ball. There was value for your shots. Credit to the groundsman. Even the spinners found something. It’s awesome to play. It’s my first time playing here as a home player, especially batting with Virat Kohli.”
RCB will now face their next challenge in the form of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an away game on April 6.
 "Aakash Saini")
