'No Guarantee He Will Continue Scoring...,' Irfan Pathan Talks Against Virat Kohli
Kohli scored a stylish 82* vs MI (AP Photo)
Just like the 2016 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are banking on Virat Kohli to steer their ship. And the former RCB captain has begun the IPL 2023 with a bang, smashing Mumbai Indians for an unbeaten 82. However, since then things have changed for the team in Red and Gold.
After handing a beating to Mumbai in the campaign opener, RCB lost in all quarters to Kolkata Knight Riders. Also, they have lost one of their budding stars, Rajat Patidar, who had to bat at the all-important number 3 position for the team.
With Patidar out of the scheme of things, Bangalore have left with no choices as they require a reliable batter to bat one down after the openers.
In both their fixtures in IPL 2023, RCB have gone with totally absurd batters for the No.3 spot. But with the tournament expected to get tougher and tougher, the debate about RCB's No.3 batter will get tenser.
Talking about what can become a headache for Bangalore, the legendary former IPL all-rounder Irfan Pathan has stated about Kohli's batting form and where the former RCB skipper should bat.
"This year is looking different for RCB as runs are coming out of Virat Kohli's bat in the first few games. But it is no guarantee that he will continue scoring at the same pace (or for the remainder of the season) and win you every game," Pathan said in a Star Sports show.
"In a tournament like this, other batters in the RCB squad will have to be ready for the challenge and justify their talents and roles. Also, I don't think Kohli should be opening the batting for RCB."
After winning one and losing as many, the Faf du Plessis-led Bangalore will clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium on Monday.
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