IPL 2023: Best XI from third week of tournament

2. Virat Kohli (RCB)

Virat Kohli has once again shown the glimpses of who he really is. The cover drives and aggressive flicks are back in his game and the raring to go attitude is like cherry on top for ardent cricket lovers. The batter, who had a dismal 2022, was looking in great touch this season, courtesy of some good scores under his belt from the international fixtures.

Virat, like Faf has been a vital cog in the top heavy RCB batting line up and the consistency with which he has contributed to the team's cause has been phenomenal. There has been intent shown in the powerplay to attack the blowers and he has also settled down to play the anchor's role if required. Virat started off the third week with a fifty against the Delhi side which included six boundaries and a maximum. Although he was unfortunate to miss out in the match against CSK when the ball ricocheted off the inside edge of his bat onto his pads and hit the stumps.

Virat was named the stand in captain for the game against Punjab and when he came out to bat, he was as fluent as it gets. The shots were racing to the boundary in no time and the run rate was on the brighter side with Faf also hitting the ball beautifully from the other end. Virat ended up with a score of 59 which included 5 boundaries and a maximum. The opening partnership between the duo of Faf and Virat was helpful in setting a competitive total of 174 and helped the visiting side beat Punjab comfortably by 24 runs.