RR vs RCB: Virat Kohli opening batting with Faf du Plessis sets internet on fire

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns against each or in match no. 39 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season at Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stium in Pune. While RCB skipper Faf du Plessis opted to field first after winning toss, he also announced that opener Anuj Rawat will not play match while revealing playing XI. RCB n took to ir official Twitter handle and informed that former skipper will open batting with current skipper. 

“Virat Kohli to open batting with Faf!,” RCB tweeted. This comes as a welcome news for Indian cricket fans as y are waiting for a big innings by Kohli since start of 2022 season. Kohli has batted at no. 3 so far in tournament and has only 17.00 so far with a total of 119 runs to his credit in eight games. While RCB play ir ninth game of season against RR on Tuesday, ex-skipper is expected to rejuvenate himself and fact that he will opens makes situation more than possible. 

How did fans react?

When Kohli’s stats are looked upon, he has best average and strike rate while opening when batting anywhere within No.5 position. While opening, he has a total of 2750 runs to his credit, which have come at an average of 43.65 in 76 matches, at a strike rate of 136.68. On or hand, while batting at no. 3, Kohli has scored 2815 runs at an average of 35.19, while striking at 123.79.

RCB take control against RR in first innings at MCA

Interestingly, Kohli has hit a total of five IPL centuries so far and all of m have come while he opened for RCB. Meanwhile, bowling first at MCA Stium, RCB managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals as RR stood at 104/6 in 16 overs. Mohammed Siraj dealt with opening blow to RR’s batting line-up by removing Devdutt Pikkal before he removed Ravichandran Ashwin within fourth over. Jos Buttler was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in fifth over as RR found mselves at 43/3 after powerplay. Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga in 10th over, before Daryl Mitchell and Shimron Hetmyer fell prey to Hazlewood and Hasaranga. At time of writing this article, RR stood at 110/6 in 17 overs.