I don't think Kohli should be opening the batting for RCB: Irfan Pathan

Virat Kohli is in phenomenal touch in the ongoing IPL 2023, scoring 103 runs in just two matches. He was one of the reasons behind Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory against Mumbai Indians and following which, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan lauded the Delhi-born cricketer but also mentioned that he should not be opening for the side.

Pathan reckons that RCB are too reliant on the 34-year-old, and that should change as he expects other batters to rise to the occasion. 

“This year is looking different for RCB as runs are coming out of Virat Kohli's bat in the first few games. But it is no guarantee that he will continue scoring at the same pace (or for the remainder of the season) and win you every game.

“In a tournament like this, other batters in the RCB squad will have to be ready for the challenge and justify their talents and roles. Also, I don't think Kohli should be opening the batting for RCB,” Pathan said while speaking to Star Sports.

RCB's middle order looks weak, and teams will aim to take advantage of this fact: Tom Moody

Bangalore’s middle order has not fired so far in the competition. Be it Glenn Maxwell, Michael Bracewell or Dinesh Karthik, none of them have managed to prove themselves in the tournament, and that is a massive reason to worry about. Former cricketer Tom Moody pointed out the same and believes other teams can take advantage of it by going hard against Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis.

“To me, RCB's middle order looks weak, and teams will aim to take advantage of this fact and pick up the wickets of Kohli and Faf early. If the opposition teams manage to take a couple of wickets in the powerplays, they'll be (very much) in the game against RCB,” Moody said.

Notably, after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders, Bangalore will next challenge Lucknow Super Giants on April 10 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

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