PBKS vs RCB: Why is Virat Kohli captaining despite Faf du Plessis in playing XI?

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis will not be fielding for his side during the IPL 2023 clash against Punjab Kings, with former skipper Virat Kohli leading the lines for the Bangalore-based outfit. The Proteas star, who picked up an injury during the game against Chennai Super Kings, will be batting for his side but will be replaced by the Impact player in the bowling innings.

RCB skipper Faf du Plessis picked up an injury during his batting innings against Chennai Super Kings in the previous encounter at the Chinnaswamy. The star top-order batter still hasn't recovered from his issue and will not be able to field for the Bangalore-based franchise in their game against Punjab Kings. Stand-in skipper Virat Kohli, who is leading the side for the first time since relinquishing the captaincy in 2021, revealed Faf du Plessis' situation at the toss. Young pacer Vyshak Vijaykumar will replace the injured RCB batter in the second innings of the match.

"Faf potentially can't be fielding today, so he'll be playing as a impact player, switching with Vyshak. We got to do what we wanted, we would have batted first, the pitch could get slow, some scruff marks will help the bowlers going deep into the game. Taking one game at a time, focussing on our own game, make the most of crunch situations, we haven't done that so far in the tournament," Kohli said at the toss

Wisden India@WisdenIndia

October 11th, 2021: Lead RCB for the last time as a regular skipper in the game against KKR. April 10th, 2023: Leading as stand-in skipper in the game against PBKS. Captain Virat Kohli is back 😍 #ViratKohli #PBKSvsRCB #IPL2023 #Cricket

03:19 PM · Apr 20, 2023

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Dhawan misses out for Punjab Kings

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