According to Aakash Chopra, Virat Kohli is the probable top scorer for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming IPL 2023 season. Despite a below-par performance in the previous season of the Indian Premier League, Virat Kohli emerged as the second-highest run-scorer for his franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, with 341 runs at an average of 22.73 and a strike rate of 115.98. Only Faf du Plessis scored more runs than him with a tally of 468.
During the “AakashVani” show on JioCinema, Chopra reflected on RCB batting lineup and stated that he believes Virat Kohli will be their top run-scorer in IPL 2023. He explained his choice over Faf du Plessis, saying:
“Who will be the highest run-scorer for this team – Faf or Virat Kohli? I am going to go with Virat Kohli. Virat didn’t score runs last year. It cannot happen every year, so he will score runs and then the team will look slightly stronger.”
Virat likely to open for RCB
The former Indian opener expects Kohli to continue opening with the RCB skipper, with Rajat Patidar batting at No. 3, stating:
“They have a very good captain in the form of Faf du Plessis. If we talk about the batting, Virat Kohli comes to open along with Faf du Plessis. They might not have a place for Anuj Rawat and then Rajat Patidar at No. 3, he has performed very well.”
Last year, Patidar was roped in as a replacement player by the RCB franchise and he proved to be a standout performer. The batter from Madhya Pradesh scored an impressive 333 runs in just seven innings, boasting of an excellent average of 55.50 and an equally remarkable strike rate of 152.75.
Chopra noted that the Royal Challengers Bangalore also have a formidable middle order.
“After that, they play Glenn Maxwell. Then they gave chances to Mahipal Lomror and Shahbaz Ahmed, and then comes Dinesh Karthik, who performs the finisher’s role. The batting looks alright.”
“Will Jacks went out and Michael Bracewell came in. Michael Bracewell is a gun player – understands the pulse of T20 cricket, a wonderful striker of the cricket ball although his bowling might work limitedly, especially at the Chinnaswamy.”
Aakash Chopra noted that Finn Allen might not find a spot in RCB playing eleven. He also mentioned that Bracewell could face a similar fate, with Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, and a fast bowler expected to be the franchise’s preferred four overseas players.
