IPL 2023: Virat Kohli stars with majestic 82* in RCB’s win as MI lose opening fixture yet again

That defeat meant that Mumbai Indians have now lost their last 11 opening matches in the IPL, dating back to 2013.

Apr 3, 2023 - 01:30

IPL 2023: Virat Kohli stars with majestic 82* in RCB’s win as MI lose opening fixture yet again

One of the biggest fans of MS Dhoni there is on this planet, Virat Kohli paid a fine tribute on Sunday night by finishing a run-chase with a six over long on, on the anniversary of India’s 2011 World Cup won. Kohli and Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis hit blazing half-centuries to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore to a thumping eight-wicket drubbing of Mumbai Indians in the IPL on Sunday.

That defeat meant that Mumbai Indians have now lost their last 11 opening matches in the IPL, dating back to 2013.

Chasing 172 for victory, Kohli (82 not out) and Du Plessis (73) put on a 148-run opening stand as Bangalore romped home in 16.2 overs in front of a raucous home crowd. Playing at home after three years, it was a special homecoming for RCB.

April 2nd, Ravi Shastri in the commentary box and a 6️⃣ to finish off a brilliant run chase.

A tribute to THAT 6️⃣ from MSD #OnThisDay ????#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 #RCBvMI pic.twitter.com/MIAq24u5gC— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 2, 2023

The pair bossed the chase from the start with some assured strokemaking and regular boundaries to open this season’s Indian Premier League campaign in style.

Du Plessis reached his fifty with a six and Kohli, who last month hit a Test ton...