IPL 2023: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis batted with a lot of intent against MI, says Dinesh Karthik

Royal Challengers Bangalore veteran wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik lauded the opening pair of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis after their eight-wicket win against Mumbai Indians at their home ground of M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday.

MI posted a below-par score of 171 runs on the board after a brilliant knock of 84 runs from youngster, Tilak Varma. However, Kohli and du Plessis made no fuss of the target as they added 148 runs in 14.5 overs.

Kohli went on to score an unbeaten knock of 82 runs whereas the RCB skipper scored 73 runs. Both the right-handers took the attack against the MI bowlers and they were able to hit the ground running in the PowerPlay overs to lay down the perfect foundation in the run-chase.

Kohli smashed six fours and five sixes whereas Faf scored five fours and six sixes in his blistering stay in the middle. Faf was also awarded the Player of the Match for his fine knock.

“We played some good cricket, we got some wickets upfront, and we controlled it through the middle. Yes, they got away in the end a little bit, but yes, that tends to happen in T20 cricket. The way both openers batted was brilliant, two legends of this game coming out with a lot of intent.

“You’ve got to understand that a match is played at Bangalore after three years. They have been deprived of the fact that they haven’t watched us closely,” Karthik was quoted as saying on Jio TV.

Dinesh Karthik, who was unfortunately dismissed for a duck, was delighted with the batting effort of the team as they won with 22 balls to spare.

“The intent was great, just the way we approached with the bat. We didn’t let go of the match anytime, we dominated the powerplay, played well through the middle. They made an honest effort, sending me out there, although it didn’t play. But it was a statement that they wanted to finish the game as early as possible. These are all positive signs for a team that is looking to set in stone the way it wants to play,” he added.

RCB will look to build on the momentum of this win in the upcoming matches. The Faf du Plessis-led team will next face KKR at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday.