Virat Kohli started his first match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 in style, he blasted unbeaten 82 runs in 49 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI) and took his side to eight wickets victory while chasing the target of 172 runs. Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player, AB de Villiers applauded his Ex- teammate from RCB and said he will score big runs this season.
While the SA batter also mentioned India’s run machine stepping out of the leadership role after the 2021 edition was a good decision, as after he left captaincy he is more enjoying the game.
AB de Villiers reckons Virat Kohli is looking fresh for the season-
“I just feel this season he has come looking fresh. I saw a few interviews in which he was laughing more than ever. I think letting captaincy go last year played a big role in him just relaxing,” said Ex- RCB batter.
The first wicket of Faf du Plessis-led RCB fell in the 15th over, when the Bengaluru-based side was on the 148-run mark, RCB’s skipper was dismissed on 73 runs by MI’s pacer Arshad Khan. While Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 runs–and was chased down the target with 22 balls remaining.
“He was a fantastic captain, but he did it for a long time internationally and in the IPL, which can be daunting. You don’t have time to chill. I think that’s his mantra for the season, ‘go out and have fun’. When he is having fun, the natural talent takes over, and he scores runs at ease, which he did in the first match. We will see some fireworks this season, and I think the best is yet to come,” he further added.
Will make you stop and stare,
Cos this breed is rare. ?Virat Kohli in the nets at the Eden Gardens. ?#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/ZgLJw5Ybiq
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 5, 2023
After Kohli left the captaincy, RCB appointed Du Plessis as the skipper, while under his leadership Bangalore finished third in the last edition IPL. Whereas in the 16th edition of the cash-rich league, the Bengaluru-based side will be looking to end the drought of the championship after playing in Finals on two occasions since 2008.
Coming to the match, earlier, Faf du Plessis-led RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first, Rohit Sharma-led MI batted first and posted a total of 171 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. For MI, youngster Tilak Varma scored 84 runs off 46 balls for his side.
In reply, RCB chased down the target with ease (with 22 balls remaining). Meanwhile, after the completion of the 5th match, all 10 teams in IPL 2023 have started their campaign. RCB will play their next match against KKR on April 6 at Eden Gardens Kolkata.
Now for the 2nd match of RCB in IPL 16, Faf du Plessis-led side will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), KKR vs RCB at Eden Gardens on April 6.
Also read: IPL 2023: There’s Going To Be Carnage For Bowlers – Chris Gayle On Virat Kohli’s Return To Form