RCB leader Faf du Plessis ranks high among T20 cricket’s grandeurs and been among IPL’s top hitters lately. Despite an injury, he ended on a high note in the IPL of 2023. Imagine this! He racked up over 700 runs in just 14 games displaying a stunning strike rate of 153.68.
It is a cause for concern for the franchise that he is going through a lean time, since his value to this RCB squad cannot be overstated. Du Plessis has only scored 49 runs in his previous seven T10 League and Johannesburg Super Kings games, and he hasn’t looked like himself at all.
Here are three reasons why RCB is concerned about Faf du Plessis’ form in the run-up to the 2024 IPL.
3. Slower starts could affect the outcome of the game
Last season, RCB was well-known for their frequent fast starts and big powerplay scores; but, an unproductive Faf du Plessis may drastically alter that for the team. Both Virat Kohli and du Plessis thrived in one other’s company and boldly faced the bowlers during the powerplay, but if one of them withdraws, it might negatively impact their connection.
Faf du Plessis must return to form since RCB is a team that cannot afford to have a bad start.
2. It may force Kohli to play aggressively, which isn’t his natural game
It’s common for hitters who are having trouble finding their swing to play more cautiously in an attempt to score that one huge run before going back to their normal ways. Faf du Plessis may do the same.
In his opening combination with Virat Kohli, the 39-year-old is the natural aggressor; yet, if he begins to play himself in before launching his strokes, Kohli may have to bat differently than normal.
The last thing RCB needs is to alter the roles that have been effective for both hitters for the past two seasons. They will want Faf to get back to his usual form and feel at ease before the season begins.
3. The batting-heavy team could suffer from their star batter’s slump
RCB’s team this season is heavy with batters. Given that half their matches are at the high-scoring Chinnaswamy Stadium, their batsmen have important roles.
Over the past two seasons, RCB’s top run-scorer has been Faf du Plessis. In terms of the IPL, it’s reasonable to regard him as the team’s best batter. RCB’s chances at the playoffs could depend on his performance. If he continues his current lull and has a season like Jos Buttler’s last year, RCB might lack the punch to reach the playoffs.
