Kohli-du Plessis' batting form will keep RCB in good stead in IPL: Imran Tahir

Kolkata: The first half of IPL 2023 has witnessed some high-adrenaline contests between all ten teams.

The contest between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders kicks off the reverse fixtures on Wednesday.

RCB lost the first game between the two teams in IPL 2023 by a big margin of 81 runs when they played at Eden Gardens. The hosts will be aiming to settle the scores at their home ground and pick two crucial points as well.

Former South Africa cricketer Imran Tahir believes Virat Kohli will have to continue to be the backbone of RCB and he needs to bat long in the upcoming games.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Tahir said, "Virat Kohli is a class batsman. It has always been difficult for me to get him out. I want him to score a lot of runs in IPL. His team has high hopes for him and for this reason, Virat should think about staying on the wicket for a little longer."

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh reckons the biggest strength of RCB has been the good form of their regular and acting skipper i.e. Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, and runs coming out of their bats will keep the dressing room relaxed.

Harbhajan said, "Virat Kohli will have to take the responsibility to keep RCB up. His partnership with Faf will be crucial. Virat and Faf are in good form and this will always give relief to RCB."

Earlier last night, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans registered a comprehensive 55-run win over Mumbai Indians. Hardik marshalled his troops exceedingly well against his former franchise and showed how good is he as a leader with his strategies on the ground.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan - who has witnessed the rise of Hardik Pandya from close quarters - hailed the star India all-rounder and his development as a cricketer and also as a leader.

Pathan said, "I have seen Hardik mature with time. Earlier he used to take things to heart but today, he reacts very thoughtfully. Hardik has handled himself with each and every responsibility. Wherever he is today, it is the result of his hard work." (UNI)