RCB to open its IPL 15 campaign against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 27 in Mumbai.
The former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli's batting position in the upcoming IPL 2022 is an interesting topic of discussion, given the changes the franchise has gone through when it comes to players.
New RCB skipper Faf Du Plessis, has a wonderful record as an opener for his former franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the South African star is highly likely to open for the RCB too in the upcoming IPL 2022.
Since RCB’s former opener, Devdutt Padikkal, went to Rajasthan Royals, Du Plessis can take his place and Virat Kohli can be another opener for RCB in the upcoming IPL 2022, starting on March 26.
Ahead of the start of the IPL 15, former RCB captain and coach, Daniel Vettori, has suggested that Kohli should open the batting and it doesn't matter who bats at the other end. The New Zealander said Kohli has been more successful as an opener in the IPL.
Vettori told ESPNCricinfo: “I think every year this is a discussion point. Every year, by the time the season finishes, Virat Kohli's opening becomes the right option. It's irrelevant who is at the other end. I think he performs better in situations where he is allowed more time and his stroke-making is more successful in those first six overs.”
He further said that the field restrictions allow Kohli to score quickly in the powerplay. He also noted that the former RCB skipper also has one of the highest strike rates in the death overs in the IPL.
The former coach explained, “That allows him to settle during the middle overs, and then his death over batting is exceptional. A lot of things have to go his way to get to those death overs but I believe when he is able to settle up at the top of the order that is when he is at his best.”
Vettori concluded, “If you look at the times RCB have been successful, it is when he has opened. We are talking about a fantastic player, whether he bats from one to four, he is still going to contribute and be amazing. But I think from a team perspective, the opener is the right way from here.”