Great to see the guys with the composure at the back end – Faf du Plessis

As RCB logged their first win of IPL 2024, brushing aside Punjab Kings in a thrilling encounter at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, captain Faf du Plessis had a lot to talk about in the post-match conference. 

It was not his day with the bat as he got out for a modest score while trying to up the ante. However, with the job done and two points in the bag, the RCB skipper never really looked fazed at the presentation.

Faf said, “Early in the competition you want to make sure you get over the line. Felt we were in the position to do that sooner. But great to see the guys with composure at the back end.”

Shedding some light on the introduction of Mahipal Lomror as a substitute and DK’s blazing display, Faf said, “And the old horse DK. No, I didn't feel the game was gone. With the new rule, there's an extra batter. We knew we had Mahipal coming in - has a lot of power. Now with the extra batter you feel like even 14-15 rpo is gettable. Even 30 off 2 overs becomes a reality.”

Heaping further praise and the strategy that also tells you volumes about RCB’s faith in DK, Skip said, “Really pleased for DK. I said it the other night - really important for him to get his IPL going with confidence. That sets you up for the rest of the tournament. We need him with his experience. There's obviously a plan - from the auction - to find some sort of DNA that would work at home. It is a tough place to find out what the DNA is. It is a unique ground. Even tonight the pitch was a bit different in the sense that it wasn't a fast and bouncy pitch, and a flat pitch.”

He concluded by reserving the highest of praise for Virat Kohli, stating, “Virat was important in the way he tempoed his innings. Wasn't a pitch where you could hit through the line. Good to see him, he's always smiling and enjoying himself. Still very passionate about playing cricket. Obviously had a nice break now which is very important. He's still enjoying himself, very passionate about playing cricket. Fresh and motivated to do well.”