IPL 2023: “Very similar to AB” - Virat Kohli on batting with Faf du Plessis

Virat Kohli, who excelled with the willow with his first IPL century of the present season in Match 65 of the Indian Premier League 2023, opened up on what it felt like to bat with RCB skipper Faf du Plessis.

Kohli could be seen lavishing accolades on du Plessis in the post-match presentation after the duo smashed 172 runs for the first wicket while chasing 187 runs in a must-win contest.

Speaking on the occasion, Kohli stated that playing with du Plessis was similar to playing with AB de Villiers, with whom Kohli had a close relationship during AB's tenure with the franchise, as the tandem produced numerous match-winning partnerships for RCB.

Kohli went on to say that both players had excellent game awareness, knowing where the game was and how to move it forward.

"Very similar to how AB and me batting together. There's a good sense of where we are and how to take the game forward. It's been a beautiful transition,"

said Kohli.

Kohli scored 100 runs off 63 deliveries, his first IPL century in four years. His innings featured 12 fours and four maximums.

Du Plessis, on the other hand, complimented Kohli with a scorching 71-run innings off just 47 deliveries, as the duo pounced on the SRH bowlers from the start. They put up 172 runs for the first wicket when Kohli was caught by Bhuvneshwar Kumar trying to clear the ropes.

Notably, the 172-run partnership is the greatest for any wicket in the current season. Interestingly, the same partnership is also in second place, having scored 148 runs in their first encounter against the Mumbai Indians.

The 147-run stand between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan in their lavender-jersey game versus Sunrisers Hyderabad is third on the list.

RCB needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive going into the contest. After Heinrich Klaasen wreaked havoc on the RCB bowlers with a blistering century, it was up to the top-heavy RCB batting unit to retaliate. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis were on fire, leaving no room for SRH to mount a comeback.

Further discussing his innings, Kohli claimed that he intended to go after the SRH bowlers from the start. He also stated that he had a few games when he wasn't able to hit as good as he was in the nets.

He also stated that he does not enjoy playing fancy shots and that he should have given himself more credit for contributing to the franchise's success.

The winning runs were made by Glenn Maxwell (5*) and Michael Bracewell (4*) as RCB overcame SRH by eight wickets.

"I had a quiet couple of games and wasn't hitting as well in the game as I was in the nets,"

Kohli said.

"My intent from ball 1 was to go after the bowlers. There was a dip but I wanted to take it up in the right time. Happy that it all came together nicely. I never look at my numbers. I don't give myself enough credit sometimes for playing impact knocks. I take pride to play the situation. I don't play fancy shots,"

he added.

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