Here's why Virat Kohli is leading RCB vs PBKS despite Faf Du Plessis in the team
Royal Challengers Bangalore is taking on Punjab Kings in the 27th game of the tournament at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. And the toss took place around half an hour ago, which came as a pleasant surprise for RCB and Indian fans.
It was Virat Kohli who came in for the toss as the RCB skipper in place of Faf du Plessis. It was the first time after 2021 that Virat was leading Bangalore in an IPL game. He led the RCB the last time 556 days ago.
On the other hand, PBKS also had Sam Curran as its skipper, as Shikhar Dhawan is also unwell. Curran won the toss and decided to bowl first. Virat said at the toss that they were also looking to bat first and also revealed the reason for him captaining the side.
Du Plessis suffered an injury to his ribs in the last game against the Chennai Super Kings. Virat confirmed that Du Plessis might not be able to field, which is why he will be playing as an "impact player," and it will be Vyshak Vijaykumar who will replace him in the second inning.
🚨 Toss Update 🚨@PunjabKingsIPL win the toss and elect to field first against @RCBTweets.@CurranSM & @imVkohli are leading their respective sides today.
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2023
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/CQekZNsh7b#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/ITFDTd7ObP
Du Plessis is an important batter for the team as he is currently holding the "Orange Cap." Prior to this game, he had scored 259 runs in five games at an impressive average of 64.75 and a strike rate of 169.28 with three half-centuries.
On the other hand, Virat is also in good form and has scored 221 runs in five innings with three half-centuries. Virat, who stepped down from the captaincy after the 2021 season, will look to lead his team to victory on Thursday.
Virat said at the toss, "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."