IPL 2024: Virat was important in the way he paced his innings – Faf du Plessis lauds Kohli’s match-winning knock

Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Faf du Plessis showered praise on Virat Kohli after his match-winning knock of 77 runs against Punjab Kings at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Monday, which took them to four-wicket win. While chasing 177, RCB got off a brisk start, courtesy of Virat Kohli.

The talisman was able to hit the ground running but he was also lucky as he was dropped on naught by Jonny Bairstow. Kohli scored his runs at a brisk pace in the Powerplay overs to take the home team to 50-1 after the end of six overs.

The veteran scored 11 fours and two sixes in his blistering knock to help RCB get close to the target. Kohli recently enjoyed a two-month break with his family and has made a fresh comeback.

Faf du Plessis said in the post-match presentation, “Virat was important in the way he paced his innings. Wasn’t a pitch where you could hit through the line. Good to see him, he’s always smiling and enjoying himself. Still very passionate about playing cricket. Obviously had a nice break now which is very important. He’s still enjoying himself, very passionate about playing cricket. Fresh and motivated to do well.”

RCB found themselves under the pump at 130-6 after 16.2 overs but Faf added they were always in the game with an extra batter because of impact player rule. Dinesh Karthik added the finishing touches with 10-ball 28 whereas impact player, Mahipal Lomror, scored 17 runs off just eight balls.

Faf added, “Early in the competition you want to make sure you get over the line. Felt we were in the position to do that sooner. But great to see the guys with the composure at the back end. And the old horse DK. No I didn’t feel the game was gone. With the new rule, there’s an extra batter. We knew we had Mahipal coming in – has lot of power. Now with the extra batter you feel like even 14-15 rpo is gettable. Even 30 off 2 overs becomes a reality. Really pleased for him (DK). I said it the other night – really important for him to get his IPL going with confidence. That sets you up for the rest of the tournament. We need him with his experience.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Friday.