In addition, Virat Kohli praised Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel for their crucial contributions to their successful defence of 189 in the Green Game on April 23.
Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis received praise from Royal Challengers Bangalore’s acting captain Virat Kohli for their counterattacking performances that helped the home team defeat Rajasthan Royals in an IPL 2023 match on Sunday, April 23. At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kohli was ecstatic as RCB defeated Sanju Samson’s team by 7 runs.
After RR won the toss and decided to bowl, Virat Kohli had a poor day at the plate and was out for a first-ball duck by Trent Boult.
After Kohli was trapped LBW for 0, the Bengaluru crowd lost its voice. Shahbaz Ahmed was sent by RCB at No. 3 but the strategy backfired as the left-hander was caught for 2 as RCB fell to 12 for 2 in the third over.
However, captain Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell attacked the Rajasthan bowling attack without hesitation. Faf du Plessis was used as an Impact Substitution. To the delight of the home crowd, the two experienced batsmen put together a third-wicket partnership of 127 runs in just 67 balls.
Virat Kohli claimed that the counter-attacking knock put RR on the back foot and gave RCB the extra 20–30 runs. Maxwell scored 77 runs off 44 balls while hitting 4 sixes and 6 boundaries, while Du Plessis scored 62 runs off 39 balls. Aside from the two, there was no other useful contribution. RCB still managed to score 189 points.
“Maxi and Faf’s batting was even more fabulous than in the Chennai game because the surface was better that day. In just four overs, Maxi ended the game. We initially believed that 160 might be sufficient, but their batting style enabled us to reach 190. Virat Kohli praised the partnership as “one of the best counter-attacking partnerships I have seen.”
As Mohammed Siraj continued his successful pattern of taking wickets during the powerplay, RCB came out firing at home. Jos Buttler was out for a duck by Siraj. RCB had a huge early lead and hindered RR in its pursuit of 190.
Harshal Patel contributed three wickets, and Siraj finished with 1 for 39. During his 4-over spell, David Willey took a wicket and conceded just 26 runs.
“Phenomenal, he’s previously dismissed Buttler, and he’s bowling really very good as I’ve ever seen. He displays his confidence and intent by running in with the new ball. He wears the Purple Cap for good reason. Siraj is in charge of the attack, and hopefully, Josh will join it in the following game, according to Kohli.”
The acting captain was all praise for Harshal Patel, saying that the team has faith in him to perform in the crucial moments.
“We always bowl the death overs at Chinnaswamy. He has also finished off games today and against DC. His performance deserves a ton of credit. He continued, “We believe he will perform at the end.”
After completing 4 victories in 7 games, RCB moved up to 8 points in the standings and increased their chances of making the playoffs.
