In a recent victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis reflected on his struggles with his elbow leading up to the IPL 2023 season. The match, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday, May 18th, witnessed RCB’s first win at the venue since 2015.
During the game, SRH’s Heinrich Klaasen exhibited an outstanding batting display, smashing a remarkable 104 off just 51 balls, setting a formidable target of 187 runs in the first innings.
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However, RCB’s opening duo of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis countered Klaasen’s assault with a brilliant partnership of 172 runs, guiding their team to a comfortable victory in 19.2 overs.
Du Plessis played a significant role in the triumph, scoring a well-constructed 71 runs from 47 balls. This marked his eighth half-century of the season, taking his total runs in IPL 2023 to an impressive 702, surpassing Shubman Gill by 126 runs in the race for the coveted Orange Cap, awarded to the highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Impressed by du Plessis’ exceptional form despite limited opportunities to play this season, Virat Kohli approached his skipper to discuss his outstanding performance. Du Plessis attributed his success to improvements in his game and a deeper understanding of his technique. He emphasized his ability to make informed decisions on the field, acknowledging the beneficial experience gained from participating in the South African league before the IPL.
During a stretch in the season, du Plessis temporarily relinquished the captaincy, with Kohli taking over for three consecutive matches. However, du Plessis continued to contribute as a batsman under the impact substitute rule.
Furthermore, du Plessis shed light on the challenges he faced due to an elbow injury before the start of the season, which impacted his preparations. Expressing frustration over the limited time available for IPL preparations, he acknowledged the discomfort he experienced. Nonetheless, du Plessis credited his success to his unwavering trust in his skills and highlighted the confidence that comes with age and experience.
Despite the initial setbacks, Faf du Plessis has displayed remarkable batting prowess and played a vital role in RCB’s journey in IPL 2023. As the team progresses in the tournament, his contributions will be crucial to their pursuit of success.
