‘I'm happy to step in’ - Virat Kohli opens up on being RCB’s stand-in skipper once again against RR

The 32nd game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a heavyweight clash between the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Sunday, April 23.

Bangalore were under the leadership of ace Indian batter Virat Kohli for the second time in a row at the IPL 2023. During the toss before the game, Kohli explained the situation with Du Plessis and even reflected on the possibility of having to lead Bangalore for a couple of games.

"They informed me last time saying I might have to captain a couple of games, nothing I'm not used to doing. So I'm happy to step in, ready to continue whatever Faf has been doing," Kohli said during the toss.

RCB aim to register their second win under Kohli’s leadership

Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous game against Punjab Kings as well. When both sides faced each other in the 27th game of the tournament on Thursday, April 20. Batting first, Bangalore posted 174 runs on the board thanks to brilliant knocks by Faf du Plessis and Kohli, where they amassed 84 and 59 runs, respectively.

During the run chase, Punjab were bundled out for 150 runs, thanks to a marvellous spell by Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj. The 29-year-old took four wickets and conceded just 21 runs in the four overs he bowled, and he was integral to Bangalore winning the game by 24 runs.

Kohli has been leading Bangalore due to a rib injury to Du Plessis, and it seemed like the injury continued to persist as Kohli continued to lead the side. However, the injury hasn’t stopped the South African batter from playing excellent knocks. With over 300 runs in six IPL games so far, Du Plessis continued to impress with his 39-ball 62 against RR. In the six games that Bangalore have played, the side find themselves in sixth place in the IPL points table with six points.