As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season gets underway this weekend, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team will be looking to finally clinch their maiden title. Their first match of the season will be against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, a team known for their consistent performances over the years. It promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams keen to start their campaign on a winning note.
What did Manjrekar say?
Virat Kohli, one of the most successful and longest-serving captains in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), stepped down from his position after the 2021 season. Under his leadership, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team managed to reach the finals only once, finishing as runners-up in the 2016 season. However, with a new captain in place in the form of Faf du Plessis, Kohli now has a renewed sense of purpose and determination to propel the team to their maiden IPL title.
According to former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, this could finally be the year for Virat Kohli and RCB. With a strong team and an experienced leader in du Plessis, RCB has all the ingredients to make a serious push for the title this season. Kohli, who has always been an instrumental figure in the RCB setup, will be looking to use his experience and skills to guide the team to the trophy this season.
“Yes, I feel Virat Kohli’s dream of winning the trophy will come true this time. They have a wonderful bowling attack. If Faf du Plessis scores runs, they will have a great chance.”, Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.
RCB’s changed strategies
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson, had earlier announced that the team would stick with the opening combination of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis for the upcoming IPL 2023 season, with Rajat Patidar playing at No. 3. However, with Patidar’s recent injury, the team may have to re-evaluate their strategy.
Patidar, who was expected to play a crucial role in RCB’s middle order, will now miss the first half of the IPL 2023 season due to injury. This setback comes at a time when there are already doubts over the availability of Josh Hazlewood, the Australian fast bowler, who is currently recovering from Achilles tendonitis. Hazlewood had to fly home midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February after missing the first two Tests.
RCB will have to come up with a new plan for their batting order, given Patidar’s absence. They may have to bring in a new player or shuffle their existing batting order to accommodate the change. Similarly, if Hazlewood is not available, the team may have to rely on their other overseas players to fill the gap.
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