Cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have endured a dismal start to the ongoing IPL 2024, languishing at the bottom of the points table after losing five of their first six matches. Their latest setback came against five-time champions Mumbai Indians, who comfortably chased down RCB's total of 196/8 in just 15.3 overs.Despite their on-field struggles, RCB players have maintained a positive attitude off the field. This was evident in a recent advertisement video featuring Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, and Faf du Plessis.In the video, Kohli, known for his strict diet and fitness regimen, surprised his teammates by ordering junk food such as pizza, aloo chaat, and barfi. Faf, lying beside Kohli, expressed shock and asked, "Seriously?" Siraj also questioned Kohli's dietary habits.Kohli responded with a nonchalant, "Abbe Kaahe ki diet, khaane de. (What diet? Let me eat)."Kohli's dietary deviation has sparked speculation about his role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull believes that India should utilize Kohli as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma."I think Virat should open...100 per cent. I don't think he should bat at number three, because if he does, then Rinku Singh will miss out. And in my India starting XI, Rinku has to play. Therefore, Virat's got to open the batting," Doull said on Cricbuzz.In the ongoing IPL, Kohli has been in impressive form, scoring 319 runs in just six matches and emerging as the season's highest run-scorer. His performances have reignited the debate about his ideal batting position in the Indian team.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have endured a tumultuous IPL 2024 campaign, plagued by inconsistency and underwhelming performances. Despite boasting star batter Virat Kohli, the team has struggled to find its footing, languishing in the bottom half of the table.Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has voiced his concerns, calling for drastic measures to revive RCB's fortunes. He believes that appointing Kohli as captain would ignite a fighting spirit within the team. "Virat Kohli makes his players fight," Singh asserted. "Faf du Plessis has to play, but he's sitting out because of him. One player who makes hundreds in every league is sitting out. Make Virat Kohli captain. This team will fight and then win."RCB captain Faf du Plessis has acknowledged the team's struggles, admitting that they have failed to maintain consistency. "We've tried to change things, but we haven't done well," he said. "It's time to make changes. We know we can turn this around."RCB's lack of success in the IPL is a stark contrast to the dominance of teams like Rajasthan Royals and SunRisers Hyderabad. Along with Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, RCB has been a part of the IPL since its inception in 2008, but has yet to lift the trophy.The team's batting has been inconsistent, with only Kohli showing signs of consistency. The bowling has also been underwhelming, failing to provide the necessary support. As a result, RCB finds itself in a precarious position, facing an uphill battle to qualify for the playoffs.

RCB Skipper Faf du Plessis Praises Virat Kohli's Infectious Energy and Intimidating PresenceAhead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis has heaped praise on his star teammate Virat Kohli, highlighting his infectious energy and intimidating presence on the field.In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, du Plessis spoke candidly about his on-field chemistry with Kohli, stating, "Batting is something we click together (in). It's unbelievable batting with him. He is one of my favorite guys to bat with. He brings out so much energy in me."Du Plessis went on to emphasize Kohli's unwavering passion for the game, saying, "Sometimes I feel like I am fist-bumping my gloves through his hand because he gets so passionate."Their synergy extends beyond batting, as du Plessis highlighted their shared competitiveness and commitment to fielding. "We both like catching balls. We both are very competitive. He is really important to me in terms of fielding. He leads so many things for us as a team. He sets the tone for the energy on the field. Without him on the field, it is not the same," the South African remarked.While du Plessis has yet to find his batting rhythm in the ongoing IPL season, Kohli has been in scintillating form, amassing 316 runs including a century and two half-centuries, to sit atop the run-scoring charts. However, RCB's team results have been disappointing, with the team currently languishing at No. 9 on the points table with just one win from five matches.Despite the team's struggles, du Plessis remains optimistic, believing that Kohli's infectious energy and leadership will inspire the team to turn things around. "He is a great leader. He is a great player. He is a great person. He is a great friend. He is a great teammate. He is a great everything," du Plessis concluded.

Kolkata Knight Riders Opt to Field First Against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2024 ClashIn a highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field first against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 29.Iyer explained his decision, stating that the team had been preparing well and wanted to carry forward their momentum. He also revealed that Ankul Roy would be the only change in their lineup.RCB captain Faf du Plessis expressed his disappointment at not being able to bat first, but acknowledged the support of the home crowd. He confirmed that their team would remain unchanged.The teams took to the field with the following lineups:Royal Challengers Bangalore:* Faf du Plessis (capt)* Virat Kohli* Rajat Patidar* Glenn Maxwell* Cameron Green* Dinesh Karthik* Anuj Rawat (wk)* Alzarri Joseph* MJ Dagar* Mohammed Siraj* Yash DayalKolkata Knight Riders:* Phil Salt (wk)* Venkatesh Iyer* Shreyas Iyer (capt)* Rinku Singh* Sunil Narine* Andre Russell* Ramandeep Singh* Mitchell Starc* AS Roy* Harshit Rana* CV VarunThe match commenced with RCB openers Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli facing the KKR bowlers. The duo provided a solid start, putting on a 50-run partnership before du Plessis was dismissed by Mitchell Starc.Kohli continued to anchor the innings, scoring a half-century, while Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell made valuable contributions. However, the KKR bowlers managed to restrict RCB to a total of 165/6 in their allotted 20 overs.In response, KKR's openers Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer got off to a flying start, putting on a 60-run partnership. However, RCB's bowlers fought back, with Mohammed Siraj and Alzarri Joseph picking up key wickets.Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell attempted to revive the chase, but they were unable to sustain the momentum. KKR eventually fell short of the target, losing by 23 runs.

Faf du Plessis: The Unexpected Leg-Spin WizardAhead of their first home match of the IPL season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players were stumped by a trivia question: who was the first current RCB player to take two consecutive 5-wicket hauls in T20s?To everyone's surprise, the answer was none other than their captain, Faf du Plessis. Back in 2011 and 2012, du Plessis achieved this feat in the South African domestic circuit with his leg-spin skills.His second five-wicket haul was particularly impressive, as it included wickets of Quinton de Kock, Neil McKenzie, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, and Thami Tsolekile, all of whom represented South Africa.Du Plessis' bowling prowess extends beyond T20s. He has also picked up 2 ODI wickets and has a respectable bowling record across first-class, List A, and T20 cricket. In T20s, he has claimed 50 wickets at an average of 18.34 and an economy rate of 6.96.Despite his bowling abilities, du Plessis has opted to focus on his batting in recent years. However, his teammates were quick to express their surprise and admiration for his leg-spin skills."Who bowls leg-spin? Faf? What!" exclaimed Virat Kohli. "Faf, I never expected you to do that!" added Dinesh Karthik.As RCB prepares to take on Punjab in their first home game of the season, it remains to be seen whether du Plessis will showcase his bowling talents once again.

Chennai Super Kings Triumph Over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 OpenerIn a thrilling encounter that marked the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, won the toss and elected to bat first. However, their innings got off to a shaky start as they lost five wickets within the first 10 overs. Du Plessis and Virat Kohli provided a promising opening partnership, but the CSK bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman, kept the pressure on.Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik came to RCB's rescue, scoring 48 and 38 runs respectively. Their contributions helped RCB post a respectable total of 173/6 in their allotted 20 overs.In response, CSK's Rachin Ravindra provided a blistering start, scoring 37 runs off just 15 balls. Despite RCB's efforts to contain the chase, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 34 and 25 runs respectively, guiding CSK to victory with eight balls to spare.Du Plessis acknowledged that RCB fell short by about 15-20 runs, attributing it to the pitch being less challenging than they had anticipated. He also praised Mustafizur Rahman's impactful spell, which played a crucial role in restricting RCB's batting.CSK's comprehensive victory marked a successful start under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Mustafizur Rahman's stellar performance earned him the coveted 'Player of the Match' award, capping off a memorable start to the tournament for CSK.

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) debutant Rachin Ravindra made an immediate impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a stunning catch to dismiss Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis, triggering a mini-collapse that halted RCB's early momentum.RCB had started strongly, reaching 41 for no loss in 4.2 overs, but Ravindra's athleticism changed the course of the match. Du Plessis, who had looked dangerous with 35 off 23 balls, attempted to hit another boundary off Mustafizur Rahman but found Ravindra running in from deep covers. The New Zealand allrounder lunged forward and took a spectacular catch, sending Du Plessis back to the pavilion.Mustafizur then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Rajat Patidar for a duck and Glenn Maxwell for zero. Deepak Chahar added to RCB's woes by removing Virat Kohli for 21, caught by Ravindra. Cameron Green became Mustafizur's fourth victim, leaving RCB reeling at 78 for 5 in 11.4 overs.Kohli's dismissal marked a significant milestone in his career, as he reached 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. However, his innings was cut short by Mustafizur's brilliance.Ravindra's catch and Mustafizur's bowling prowess proved to be the turning point in the match, as RCB struggled to recover from the early setbacks. CSK's fielding and bowling efforts ultimately helped them secure a crucial victory over their rivals.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Kick Off Pre-Tournament Camp with Andy Flower at the HelmRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have commenced their pre-season preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) with a training camp in New Delhi. The camp, led by new head coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, has seen the participation of domestic players, including skipper Faf du Plessis and West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph.Despite the absence of star player Virat Kohli, who is expected to join the squad soon, the camp has been buzzing with excitement. Du Plessis expressed his admiration for Flower, describing him as an "incredible coach" and a "kind and big-hearted man."Flower, in turn, shared his enthusiasm for the new chapter with RCB, emphasizing the privilege and excitement of being part of the franchise. "New chapter to write in RCB story, we have been given the chance to write and it is a privilege, something to be very excited about," he stated.The camp has focused on intense training sessions, with the players working on their skills and fitness under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff. The team is gearing up for their IPL campaign opener against reigning champions Chennai Super Kings on March 22.With Kohli's return eagerly anticipated, RCB fans are optimistic about a successful season under the guidance of their new coaching setup. The team boasts a strong squad, including the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, and Wanindu Hasaranga, and will be aiming to make a deep run in the tournament.