Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has praised RCB captain Faf du Plessis for his remarkable performance in IPL 2023.
The seasoned coach stated that many people were concerned after Du Plessis was chosen as the new RCB captain. He did emphasise, though, that the experienced batter has quieted his critics by leading the squad in an exceptional manner.
Regarding Du Plessis’ tenure as captain, Moody told ESPNcricinfo:
The investment in the leadership of Faf du Plessis (is an important takeaway). Two years ago, a lot of people were unsure whether that would work or how long that will last for. But Faf du Plessis has answered that very loud and clear. Not only is he at the top of his game at the age of 38, but his leadership is outstanding.”
Notably, Du Plessis was Bangalore’s highest batting performance this season. In 14 innings, he scored 730 runs, including eight half-centuries. The opening batsman had an amazing strike rate of 153.68.
” Scored at a regular strike rate throughout the whole season” – Tom Moody on Faf du Plessis
According to Tom Moody, Faf du Plessis provided his team with a fantastic base by scoring runs at a rapid tempo in the powerplay. He remarked on how well Du Plessis and Virat Kohli performed as openers.
He praised the RCB captain for having a fantastic strike rate throughout the season. The 57-year-old also mentioned how Kohli ended the competition on a high note, hammering back-to-back hundreds, and added:
“Both [Kohli and Faf ] had outstanding seasons. Particularly Faf, in my view, scored at a regular strike rate throughout the whole season and really set an incredible tempo from the time he walked to the crease. Virat Kohli finished the season in unbelievable style with two great hundreds.”
Kohli’s batting performances in the IPL 2023 impressed many, with 639 runs from 14 innings. This season, he scored six fifties and two hundred.
RCB, on the other hand, missed out on the crucial playoffs, ending sixth in the points table with seven victories and as many defeats from 14 games.