The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have witnessed success with their opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli in recent IPL seasons. Their formidable partnership has yielded multiple century stands, adding a crucial dimension to RCB’s batting lineup.
In the 2022 edition, Kohli and Du Plessis showcased their prowess with notable partnerships against teams like Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. The 2023 season saw even more impressive performances, including a remarkable 172-run stand against SunRisers Hyderabad.
On an individual level, both Kohli and Du Plessis exhibited stellar form. Kohli, after a modest 2022, roared back with 639 runs in the last season, complemented by Du Plessis’ consistent contributions, accumulating 730 runs.
Virat Kohli and Cameron Green: A Power-Packed Opening Duo
RCB is now contemplating alternative opening combinations to mitigate potential top-order vulnerabilities. One proposal involves Kohli pairing with Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, a ₹17.50 crore acquisition from Mumbai Indians. Green’s aggressive batting style, demonstrated in the 2022 T20I series in India, positions him as a potential game-changer.
Green’s ability to capitalize on the powerplay, coupled with Kohli’s experience, could offer RCB a dynamic opening partnership. With a T20 strike rate exceeding 150, Green adds the necessary firepower, potentially relieving the team from relying solely on Kohli and Du Plessis.
Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks: Unleashing T20 Firepower
Another strategy involves Kohli moving down the order, allowing Du Plessis to open alongside England’s explosive all-rounder, Will Jacks. Jacks, known for his recent heroics in the Bangladesh Premier League, brings a blend of power and consistency to the top order.
The challenge for RCB lies in balancing their overseas player quota to accommodate Jacks. However, if successful, Jacks could emerge as a game-changer, having accumulated over 4,000 T20 runs at a staggering strike rate of 158.66.
Virat Kohli and Anuj Rawat: The Young Gun in Focus
The third prospect involves Kohli partnering with the promising Anuj Rawat. While Rawat is relatively less experienced, his potential as a dynamic opener cannot be overlooked. This combination could inject youthful exuberance into RCB’s top order, offering a fresh perspective alongside Kohli’s seasoned approach.
As the IPL 2024 approaches, RCB faces crucial decisions in crafting their opening pairings. Whether sticking with the proven partnership of Kohli and Du Plessis or experimenting with new combinations, the franchise aims to strike the right balance for a successful campaign.
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