IPL 2023: RCB openers and their tattoo connection — Why does Virat Kohli love to bat with Faf du Plessis?

In the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Virat Kohli became the seventh centurion, with just three days of action left in the league stage of the competition.

SportsTak

• Fri • 19 May 2023

In the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Virat Kohli became the seventh centurion, with just three days of action left in the league stage of the competition. Kohli played a decisive innings of 100 runs in 63 balls in a do-or-die match for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to help them to the IPL 2023 playoffs.

Chasing a total of 187 runs, they chased down the total in the final over and registered a big win of eight wickets. After his century, Kohli did not think that the opening partnership of 172 runs would be possible with his opening partner Faf du Plessis.

In a chase of 187 runs, Kohli, along with RCB captain Faf du Plessis smashed 71 off 47 balls and put on a strong partnership of 172 runs for the first wicket. Speaking about his partnership after the match, Kohli said, "The ball was coming in the middle of my bat from the beginning. We wanted a solid start but did not know whether we would be able to put up a 172-run partnership. Faf is batting at a different level this season."

Kohli further added, "My bat was not working in the last few matches. Even the shots were not coming in the nets. My plan was clear from the first ball itself. I did not have to play fancy shots because cricket is played for 12 months in a year. Have to play. That's why you can't lose your wicket. I rely on my technique and that helps me."

'Faf and me love tattoos'
Talking about his batting with Faf, Kohli said, "I think we both like tattoos very much. Just like playing with AB de Villiers at one time, it feels like playing with Faf." Yes. That's what I was telling Faf that we feel like home. Because the fans were chanting RCB, RCB and Kohli, Kohli. It's a pleasure when you play a big innings and the fans are happy."