Tag: Faf du Plessis

  • RCB vs DC Dream11 Team Prediction, Match Preview, Fantasy Cricket Hints: Captain, Probable Playing 11s, Team News; Injury Updates For Today’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vs Delhi Capitals In M Chinnaswamy Stadium, 730PM IST, Bengaluru | cricket news

    The upcoming clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Bengaluru promises to be a crucial encounter as both teams vie for a playoff berth in the Indian Premier League (IPL). DC currently occupies the fifth position in the points table, having secured six wins and suffered six losses, accumulating 12 points in total. Meanwhile, RCB finds themselves in the seventh spot, with five wins, seven losses, and 10 points to their name.

    In their previous outings, DC emerged victorious against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 7, while RCB secured a win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) just a few days prior. As the two teams prepare to battle it out on Sunday, fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling contest with high stakes.

    The spotlight of the season has undoubtedly been on Virat Kohli, who holds the prestigious Orange Cap for accumulating the most runs in the tournament thus far. Kohli has been in scintillating form, amassing a staggering 634 runs in 12 matches at a remarkable average of 70.44 and an impressive strike rate of 153.51. His outstanding performance includes a century and five half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 113 runs.

    Beyond the IPL, Virat Kohli boasts a remarkable record across all formats of the game, establishing himself as one of the modern greats of cricket. While he may not be the first or even among the top ten to achieve 100 professional cricket centuries, Kohli’s milestone is a testament to his legendary career and unmatched consistency on the field.

    As the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore gear up for their clash, fans anticipate Virat Kohli to deliver yet another stellar performance, not only for the sake of his team’s victory but also to etch his name further into the annals of cricketing history.

    RCB vs DC: Probable Playing 11s

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted XI: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Anuj Rawat, Cameron Greem, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.

    Delhi Capitals Predicted XI: Abishek Porel, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shai Hope, Tristan Stubbs, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed.

    RCB vs DC DREAM 11 PREDICTION IPL 2024

    WICKETKEEPERS: Dinesh Karthik, Abhishek Porel

    BATTERS: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli(c), Tristan Stubbs

    ALL ROUNDERS: Will Jacks, Axar Patel (vc)

    BOWLERS: Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed

    RCB vs DC: Squads

    RCB – Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj. , Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan.

    DC – Rishabh Pant (c), Pravin Dubey, David Warner, Vicky Ostwal, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Lalit Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar, Shai Hope, Swastik Chhikara.

  • Dhanashree Verma Avoids Saying RCB While Congratulating Yuzvendra Chahal For Playing 150 IPL Matches | cricket news

    As Yuzvendra Chahal stepped onto the field for his 150th IPL match, the cricketing world’s attention was firmly fixed on the legspinner’s impressive milestone. However, it was Chahal’s wife, Dhanashree Verma, whose subtle actions during her congratulatory message sparked a fresh wave of intrigue and debate. In a video posted on social media, Dhanashree enthusiastically celebrated Chahal’s achievement, showering him with praise and affection. Yet, one aspect of her message stood out in stark contrast – the conspicuous absence of any mention of Chahal’s former franchise, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

    A Bitter History with RCB

    Chahal’s association with RCB had been a long and fruitful one, with the spinner serving the Bangalore-based team for eight seasons and emerging as their highest wicket-taker in the league’s history. However, the decision to release Chahal ahead of the 2022 IPL auction had left a bitter taste, not just for the player but for his ardent supporters as well. Dhanashree’s pointed silence on the RCB connection was not lost on the keen-eyed observers, who were quick to interpret it as a subtle yet powerful statement. The fact that she carefully avoided even uttering the name of Chahal’s former franchise spoke volumes about the lingering discontent within the Chahal household regarding the team’s decision to part ways with the spin wizard.

    A Lasting Wound

    This was not the first time Dhanashree had publicly expressed her displeasure over RCB’s treatment of her husband. In the past, she had taken to social media to voice her frustration, urging the team’s management to “stop doing this to him” and highlighting the emotional toll it had taken on Chahal and his family.

    By refraining from mentioning RCB in her latest congratulatory message, Dhanashree seemed to be sending a clear message – that the wound inflicted by the franchise’s decision to let go of Chahal has yet to fully heal. Her silence was a powerful statement, a refusal to acknowledge the team that had once been Chahal’s home, but now stood as a painful reminder of the uncertainties that come with the professional sport.

    Irony of the Situation

    The irony of the situation was not lost on the cricketing community either. Chahal, who had given his all to RCB over the years, was now being celebrated in the colors of a different team, Rajasthan Royals, while his wife pointedly avoided any reference to his former employers. As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Chahal’s performances and how he handles the emotions surrounding his past association with RCB. Meanwhile, Dhanashree’s subtle yet meaningful actions have once again highlighted the personal toll that the business of professional sports can take on the athletes and their loved ones.

    A Powerful Statement

    In the end, Dhanashree’s silence spoke volumes, serving as a reminder that the scars of the past can often linger long after the initial wounds have healed. It was a testament to the strength of the Chahal family bond and a powerful statement that even in the face of professional setbacks, their unwavering support for each other remains unshakable.

  • RCB Brutally TROLLED As Memes Pour In After Loss To LSG In IPL 2024; Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell Produce Flop Show | cricket news

    It was another poor outing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024 on Tuesday night as they lost their second successive match in the league. Lucknow Super Giants effected a 28-run win with the hosts struggling in all departments of the game. This is also RCB’s third loss in four games. RCB had the upper edge from the start as they won the toss at M Chinnaswamy stadium. This is a ground where chasing is easy and defending is very difficult and as expected, captain Faf du Plessis decided to bowl first. Quinton de Kock struck a brilliant 82 while Nicholas Pooran smashed a quickfire 42 to take LSG to 181 for 5 in 20 overs.

    Also Read | Mayank Yadav Breaks His Own Record For Fastest Ball Of Season, Read Details Here

    Bowlers still did a good job to stop LSG from scoring near 200. But the batters disappointed a lot. Virat Kohli, du Plessis and Rajat Patidar, who form the top order, got starts but could not convert them into big innings.

    Mahipal Lomror also batted well for his 33 but it was never going to be enough as others gave up their guns. As a result, RCB lost another game at home, which is a huge setback for the Bengaluru side.

    RCB were trolled massively by the fans as they made jokes and memes after the loss to LSG. Take a look below.

    RCB fans to team RCB :- #RCBvsLSG pic.twitter.com/vBb6XV0kah — _____ ___ (@gentleman07_) April 2, 2024

    #RCBvsLSG RCB performance in every IPL season _ pic.twitter.com/XG7K9PJQkE — theboysthing_ (@Theboysthing) April 2, 2024

    #RCBvsLSG

    Same old story _ pic.twitter.com/nMZHOfBLIo — Insulter (@Insulter3730010) April 2, 2024

    Not to forget, despite no trophies, RCB remain a huge brand in IPL. They have one of the biggest fanbases in the league. But somehow, this team continues to show inconsistency in their performances throughout the tournament.

    Mayank Yadav stood out for LSG again as he broke his own record for fastest delivery in the league, bowling a 156.7 kph delivery. He has now won 2 Man of the Match Awards in his two-match IPL career.

    RCB are on ninth in the IPL 2024 points table now after the defeat. Their NRR is -0.876. The fact that they have lost 2 matches at home means they need to win a few away matches now in order to qualify for the playoffs. A poor start to the campaign makes it harder to qualify for the playoffs. If RCB are to qualify, they must look to produce all-round show in the coming games. In their first defeat at home, they were unable to defend 182 runs. In their second loss at Chinnaswamy, they failed to chase down 182. That pretty much sums up their issues.

  • CSK Vs RCB Playing 11 IPL 2024: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis To Open? Rachin Ravindra Replaces Devon Conway? Check Here | cricket news

    RCB's star batsman Virat Kohli will be back as they take on CSK in a blockbuster IPL 2024 opening clash at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Friday. It will be a fantastic sight when CSK captain MS Dhoni and Kohli meet each other on the sidelines of the match. Dhoni is among the greatest captains to have ever played the game and Kohli, one of the modern-day batting greats. They are the best of friends off the field even if they want to beat each other in IPL, on the field.

    It would not be easy for RCB to beat CSK in their homeground. If you look closely at their squads, CSK have built their team according to their home conditions, with a spin-heavy bowling attack. RCB don't have the same quality in their spin attack.

    If RCB can somehow manage a win in the opening contest and Kohli has a good game, it will do their confidence a lot of good going further into the tournament.

    Kohli to open with Faf?

    This seems to be the ideal scenario for RCB who have many good T20 specialists in the middle order in the form of Suyash Prabhudesai, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik. Not to forget, RCB traded in Cameron Green from Mumbai Indians and they must look to play their Rs 17.5 crore player from game one.

    As far as CSK are concerned, they will need to replace Devon Conway at the top and one able replacement option is available in the form of another Kiwi Rachin Ravindra. There is no Matheesha Pathirana which means Dhoni must play Mustafizur Rahman as the death-overs specialist in this IPL.

    RCB Vs CSK Probable Playing 11s:

    RCB: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (Overseas), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell (overseas), Suyash Prabhudesai, Dinesh Karthik, Cameron Green (Overseas), Mahipal Lomror, Reece Tooley (Overseas), Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma

    CSK: Rachin Ravindra (Overseas), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Daryl Mitchell (Overseas), MS Dhoni, Mitchell Santner (Overseas), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Mustafizur Rahman (Overseas).

  • RCB Unbox Event 2024 LIVE Streaming Details: Check When And Where To Watch, Tickets, Time, Celebrities To Attend; All You Need To Know | cricket news

    Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are in news and for all the right reasons. The women's team of RCB scripted history when they clinched their first-ever WPL title in Delhi. What followed was a night full of celebrations and it is going to continue for next few days as RCB Unbox Day is also round the corner. RCB Unbox Day event is set to take place in Bengaluru on March 19. As per reports, the event is set to be attended by RCB women champions. The event will be held at the M Chinnaswamy stadium.

    Also Read | WATCH: Virat Kohli Dances With RCB Women's Players After Historic WPL 2024 Title Win

    What Is RCB Unbox Event?

    RCB organize this event prior to the IPL season every year. It is a fan engagement program where the RCB fans come close with their heroes. In 2022, RCB announced their new captain Faf du Plessis at RCB Unbox day. There are questions and answers sessions with the fans and the press followed by music performances. In a nutshell, this event is purely for the fans as the franchise says thanks to them for supporting them for years and seeks their undying support for more year.

    ,

    Understood why @iamRashmika erased Bangalore on the mirror?

    All answers at #RCBUnbox. _#ArthaAytha #PlayBold #____RCB #RashmikaMandhana pic.twitter.com/OPlJ2D25s6— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 18, 2024

    Here's everything you need to know about RCB Unbox Day event, from live streaming details to ticket prices and other things:

    When is the RCB Unbox Event 2024? -Date

    The RCB Unbox Event 2024 event is on Match 19.

    Where is the RCB Unbox Event 2024? -Venue

    The RCB Unbox Event 2024 event will be played at M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru.

    What times does RCB Unbox Event 2024 event start? -Timing

    The RCB Unbox Event 2024 event will start at 4 pm IST, as mentioned in RCB website.

    RCB Unbox Event 2024: How to buy tickets? What are the prices?

    RCB Unbox Event tickets are available to be bought on RCB website: Click -https://shop.royalchallengers.com/tickets to know more. The tickets prices range between Rs 800 to Rs 4000.

    Which celebs are attending and performing at RCB Unbox Event?

    RCB fans await the event all the year. This year too the event will see many celebs and starts attending and performing at the event. As per reports, the stars set to perform are DJ Alan Walker, Raghu Dixit, Brodha V, Jordindian, Neeti Mohan, Barfi and Katcheri. It is being reported that Kannada cine stars are also set to attend the event. Not to forget, the RCB men's and women's team should be there at the event as well.

    Pressure on RCB after WPL win

    RCB open their campaign in IPL 2024 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Match 22. Onus will be on stars such Virat Kohli, captain Faf du Plessis and other senior players to replicate the performance of the women's team in IPL. Smriti Mandhana and Co have given the franchise and fans a big reason to celebrate but men's team have also received a challenge from them to win the IPL 2024.

  • Have learned lot from MS Dhoni, he is fantastic captain: RCB skipper Faf du Plessis

    By ANI

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the Chennai Super Kings game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at DY Patil Sports Academy on Tuesday, Faf du Plessis spoke about facing his old team and the memories he shared with the team CSK.

    Former CSK star player, who is the current captain of the RCB team also expressed his excitement to meet his old teammates ahead of the clash. Speaking on the ‘Inside RCB’ show on Star Sports, Faf du Plessis said: “It would be really great to play against Chennai. As I said I have got an incredible amount of love and respect from the people for everything that they have done.”

    “So it would be a great day to see everyone again and obviously when we walk on the field hopefully I can put in some performances to get RCB the win on that game,” he added.

    Faf du Plessis also spoke about his journey with CSK, he said: “I’m extremely grateful for Chennai and being around with them for more than 10 years. They have a special place in my heart and I have learned a lot from MS Dhoni, he’s a fantastic captain as well, so I’m sitting in a position where I can learn from two of the great leaders in Indian cricket.”

    Both sides have so far savoured completely contrasting fortunes in the latest edition of the tournament as the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been soaring high with three consecutive wins while Chennai is still to get off the mark after the worst start to their campaign in the antiquity of the entire tournament.

  • Have learned lot from MS Dhoni, he is fantastic captain: RCB skipper Faf du Plessis

    By ANI

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the Chennai Super Kings game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at DY Patil Sports Academy on Tuesday, Faf du Plessis spoke about facing his old team and the memories he shared with the team CSK.

    Former CSK star player, who is the current captain of the RCB team also expressed his excitement to meet his old teammates ahead of the clash. Speaking on the ‘Inside RCB’ show on Star Sports, Faf du Plessis said: “It would be really great to play against Chennai. As I said I have got an incredible amount of love and respect from the people for everything that they have done.”

    “So it would be a great day to see everyone again and obviously when we walk on the field hopefully I can put in some performances to get RCB the win on that game,” he added.

    Faf du Plessis also spoke about his journey with CSK, he said: “I’m extremely grateful for Chennai and being around with them for more than 10 years. They have a special place in my heart and I have learned a lot from MS Dhoni, he’s a fantastic captain as well, so I’m sitting in a position where I can learn from two of the great leaders in Indian cricket.”

    Both sides have so far savoured completely contrasting fortunes in the latest edition of the tournament as the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been soaring high with three consecutive wins while Chennai is still to get off the mark after the worst start to their campaign in the antiquity of the entire tournament.

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the Chennai Super Kings game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at DY Patil Sports Academy on Tuesday, Faf du Plessis spoke about facing his old team and the memories he shared with the team CSK.

    Former CSK star player, who is the current captain of the RCB team also expressed his excitement to meet his old teammates ahead of the clash. Speaking on the ‘Inside RCB’ show on Star Sports, Faf du Plessis said: “It would be really great to play against Chennai. As I said I have got an incredible amount of love and respect from the people for everything that they have done.”

    “So it would be a great day to see everyone again and obviously when we walk on the field hopefully I can put in some performances to get RCB the win on that game,” he added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Faf du Plessis also spoke about his journey with CSK, he said: “I’m extremely grateful for Chennai and being around with them for more than 10 years. They have a special place in my heart and I have learned a lot from MS Dhoni, he’s a fantastic captain as well, so I’m sitting in a position where I can learn from two of the great leaders in Indian cricket.”

    Both sides have so far savoured completely contrasting fortunes in the latest edition of the tournament as the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been soaring high with three consecutive wins while Chennai is still to get off the mark after the worst start to their campaign in the antiquity of the entire tournament.

  • Momentum has taken the pressure off RCB ahead of ‘Southern Derby’: Faf du Plessis

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis is confident his players will not be under pressure when they clash against the Ravindra Jadeja-led Chennai Super Kings in the ‘Southern Derby later on Tuesday.

    Over the years, the contest between RCB and CSK — the four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions — has become one of the most-anticipated clashes of the tournament, and pressure and emotions are high both on and off the field.

    However, du Plessis, who took over the reins of the side from long-serving skipper Virat Kohli, allayed fears on Tuesday that his side would likely buckle under pressure. Speaking on RCB Bold Diaries, the former South African captain — who was also part of the CSK camp between 2018 and 2021 — said, “No, we’re obviously playing some nice cricket at the moment, so we’ve got a bit of form going into the match. But we also know that Chennai are a team that you can never write off.

    “They’ve got some incredible cricketers there. So, it’s going to be a great game, and I’m looking forward to that. (Australian pace bowler Josh) Hazlewood has joined us, it’s nice for him as well; it’s his first game back, and he’s also playing against his old team.”

    RCB are coming into the contest having won three of their four games and are currently third on the IPL points table, while CSK are 10th and last after losing all their four matches so far in this edition.

    Speaking of Hazlewood, who has joined the camp, du Plessis said that the Australian quick had been made aware of the dynamics and environment of the side, and what the team expects of him in IPL 2022.

    “We have conversations with every single player in the team, just to be clear on what we expect from them, from an overall point of view, from the team dynamics, from the environment, from the culture; just making everyone feel a part of the journey.

    “And I think players enjoy that there’s communication always. I’m a big believer in over-communicating so people know exactly where they stand, what they need to do, what they’re doing well, what they need to improve on; communication for me is always really important,” added du Plessis.

    Having been in the Chennai dressing room for a long time, does it make it is easy for du Plessis to captain against them, knowing the players at CSK inside out?

    “In theory, yes because you know the players well. But the flip side is they also know me, they know my game very well as well. There’s that balance I suppose. But, yes, it helps to know a little bit more about player strengths, areas that you can hopefully try and see as a little bit of a weakness. It’s two strong teams competing, looking forward to it,” said du Plessis.

    MUMBAI: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis is confident his players will not be under pressure when they clash against the Ravindra Jadeja-led Chennai Super Kings in the ‘Southern Derby later on Tuesday.

    Over the years, the contest between RCB and CSK — the four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions — has become one of the most-anticipated clashes of the tournament, and pressure and emotions are high both on and off the field.

    However, du Plessis, who took over the reins of the side from long-serving skipper Virat Kohli, allayed fears on Tuesday that his side would likely buckle under pressure. Speaking on RCB Bold Diaries, the former South African captain — who was also part of the CSK camp between 2018 and 2021 — said, “No, we’re obviously playing some nice cricket at the moment, so we’ve got a bit of form going into the match. But we also know that Chennai are a team that you can never write off.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “They’ve got some incredible cricketers there. So, it’s going to be a great game, and I’m looking forward to that. (Australian pace bowler Josh) Hazlewood has joined us, it’s nice for him as well; it’s his first game back, and he’s also playing against his old team.”

    RCB are coming into the contest having won three of their four games and are currently third on the IPL points table, while CSK are 10th and last after losing all their four matches so far in this edition.

    Speaking of Hazlewood, who has joined the camp, du Plessis said that the Australian quick had been made aware of the dynamics and environment of the side, and what the team expects of him in IPL 2022.

    “We have conversations with every single player in the team, just to be clear on what we expect from them, from an overall point of view, from the team dynamics, from the environment, from the culture; just making everyone feel a part of the journey.

    “And I think players enjoy that there’s communication always. I’m a big believer in over-communicating so people know exactly where they stand, what they need to do, what they’re doing well, what they need to improve on; communication for me is always really important,” added du Plessis.

    Having been in the Chennai dressing room for a long time, does it make it is easy for du Plessis to captain against them, knowing the players at CSK inside out?

    “In theory, yes because you know the players well. But the flip side is they also know me, they know my game very well as well. There’s that balance I suppose. But, yes, it helps to know a little bit more about player strengths, areas that you can hopefully try and see as a little bit of a weakness. It’s two strong teams competing, looking forward to it,” said du Plessis.

  • Momentum has taken the pressure off RCB ahead of ‘Southern Derby’: Faf du Plessis

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis is confident his players will not be under pressure when they clash against the Ravindra Jadeja-led Chennai Super Kings in the ‘Southern Derby later on Tuesday.

    Over the years, the contest between RCB and CSK — the four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions — has become one of the most-anticipated clashes of the tournament, and pressure and emotions are high both on and off the field.

    However, du Plessis, who took over the reins of the side from long-serving skipper Virat Kohli, allayed fears on Tuesday that his side would likely buckle under pressure. Speaking on RCB Bold Diaries, the former South African captain — who was also part of the CSK camp between 2018 and 2021 — said, “No, we’re obviously playing some nice cricket at the moment, so we’ve got a bit of form going into the match. But we also know that Chennai are a team that you can never write off.

    “They’ve got some incredible cricketers there. So, it’s going to be a great game, and I’m looking forward to that. (Australian pace bowler Josh) Hazlewood has joined us, it’s nice for him as well; it’s his first game back, and he’s also playing against his old team.”

    RCB are coming into the contest having won three of their four games and are currently third on the IPL points table, while CSK are 10th and last after losing all their four matches so far in this edition.

    Speaking of Hazlewood, who has joined the camp, du Plessis said that the Australian quick had been made aware of the dynamics and environment of the side, and what the team expects of him in IPL 2022.

    “We have conversations with every single player in the team, just to be clear on what we expect from them, from an overall point of view, from the team dynamics, from the environment, from the culture; just making everyone feel a part of the journey.

    “And I think players enjoy that there’s communication always. I’m a big believer in over-communicating so people know exactly where they stand, what they need to do, what they’re doing well, what they need to improve on; communication for me is always really important,” added du Plessis.

    Having been in the Chennai dressing room for a long time, does it make it is easy for du Plessis to captain against them, knowing the players at CSK inside out?

    “In theory, yes because you know the players well. But the flip side is they also know me, they know my game very well as well. There’s that balance I suppose. But, yes, it helps to know a little bit more about player strengths, areas that you can hopefully try and see as a little bit of a weakness. It’s two strong teams competing, looking forward to it,” said du Plessis.

  • Punjab Kings stun RCB by five wickets in high-scoring IPL tie

    By PTI

    NAVI MUMBAI: Newly-appointed skipper Faf du Plessis’ scintillating 57-ball 88 went in vain as Punjab Kings produced a solid batting display to script a successful chase for a five-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in a thrilling IPL match here on Sunday.

    While Du Plessis showed his six-hitting prowess, hammering seven maximums in his whirlwind knock, Virat Kohli also chipped in with an unbeaten 41 off 29 balls while Dinesh Karthik made a quickfire 32 not out as RCB posted a massive 205 for 2 after being invited to bat.

    The chase was steep but not impossible and Punjab produced a sensational effort to overhaul the target, scoring 208 for 5 with an entire over to spare.

    While Mayank Agarwal (32 off 24) and Shikhar Dhawan (43 off 29) added 71 for the first wicket to lay the foundation for the chase, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (43 off 22) also shone on his IPL debut after Punjab suffered a collapse and seemed down and out at 156 for 5.

    However, Shahrukh Khan (24 not out off 20 balls) and Odean Smith (25 not out off 8 balls) then joined hands to complete the job in the end.

    The duo shared a 52-run unbroken stand off just 25 balls for the sixth wicket to take Punjab home.

    Smith smashed three sixes and a four off Mohammed Siraj in the 18th over to accumulate 25 runs and bring down the equation to 11 from the final two overs.

    ALSO READ | IPL: Mumbai get Capital punishment from Kuldeep Yadav

    Shahrukh, who hit one four and two maximums, finished the game with a boundary as Mayank Agarwal started his captaincy tenure with a win.

    Earlier, RCB skipper du Plessis and Kohli added 118 runs for the second wicket after the former and Anuj Rawat (21) had laid the foundation with their 50 run-stand.

    RCB amassed 11 ‘extra’ runs, off the second over off Arshdeep Singh.

    Du Plessis got his first boundary in the third, while in the same over, Rawat hit his first maximum, as RCB raced to 23/0. Rawat hit successive boundaries in the sixth over, off Odean Smith. But leg-spinner Rahul Chahar (1/22) cut short Rawat’s stay by cleaning him up in the seventh over.

    Kohli came in and he took time to settle down.

    After successive twos, Kohli’s first maximum came in the 10th over as RCB fetched 13 runs off it and at 70/1, the foundation was laid for a big total.

    Former South Africa skipper Du Plessis, who got a ‘life’, made optimum use of it and then upped the ante, as the carnage started from the 12th over when he hammered a towering six off Liam Livingstone.

    Du Plessis was brutal on Odean Smith, whom he hammered for a boundary and two successive sixes. He followed it up with two sixes off Harpreet Brar (0/38).

    Kohli, who hit a four and two sixes, was also in his elements, as he played shots at will. He, however, played second fiddle to Du Plessis when the South African was in full flow.

    Du Plessis was dismissed in the 18th over, but by then the damage had been done.A quickfire 32 from Karthik off just 14 balls, in which he smashed three sixes and as many fours, took RCB beyond the 200-run mark. But in the end even that would not prove to be enough.