IPL 2022: We need to fix our top-order batting – Faf du Plessis

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis reckons his team needs to come up with a better top-order batting performance in the upcoming matches after losing against Rajasthan Royals by 29 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Tuesday.

RR posted a fighting score of 144 runs after Riyan Parag scored his second IPL fifty. Parag had the rub of the green on his side as Wanindu Hasarange dropped a simple catch when the right-hander was on 32 runs. The youngster went on to score 56 runs as he added the finishing touches and the drop catch did cost RCB.

On the other hand, RCB got off to another poor start as Virat Kohli was once again dismissed early to continue his dismal form. Subsequently, Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell were dismissed on consecutive deliveries by Kuldeep Sen. In fact, none of the RCB batters could get going in the run chase as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Faf du Plessis said in the post-match presentation, “It’s pretty similar to the previous game we played, there is a little bit of inconsistent bounce. We gave 20 runs too many and the dropped catch cost us 25. 140 was a par score on that pitch. That’s the thing we need to fix [the top-order batting]. The basics of the game don’t change. You needed someone in the top four to bat through and we have not done it. We have to try to change the batting order and see if that works. We have to try and play positively.”

Meanwhile, RCB decided to open the innings with Virat Kohli, who has a good record in the IPL as an opener. However, a change in batting position could not change Kohli’s fortunes with the bat as he was dismissed by Prasidh Krishna after scoring only nine runs. Faf backed Kohli to come good in the remaining matches and he is hopeful the talisman will turn the corner soon.

Faf went on to add, “That’s what we discussed after the last game, trying to get the best out of him [on Kohli]. Great players go through these things. Great players go through phases like this. We wanted him to get in straight away so that he doesn’t sit on the sidelines and think about the game. He is a great player and we still back him to turn it around and hopefully, it’s around the corner. It’s a game of confidence.”

RCB has now come up with two dismal batting performances and they need to turn the tables. The Faf du Plessis-led team will next lock horns against Gujarat Titans at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday.