“Couldn’t be happier to pass on the baton to a good friend” – Virat Kohli reacts to Faf du Plessis’ appointment as RCB captain for IPL 2022

Virat Kohli has expressed delight at the appointment of Faf du Plessis as the new Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. The 33-year-old, who stepped down as the franchise’s captain after last season, described the Proteas batter as a good friend, adding that he is happy to ‘pass on the baton’.

The 37-year-old Du Plessis was announced as RCB’s captain for the upcoming IPL season at an event on Saturday. The Proteas batter was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ’s title-winning IPL 2021 campaign. He amassed 633 runs during the season and was the Player of the Final for his innings of 86 off 59 deliveries.

Sharing a video message following Du Plessis’ appointment as captain of the Bangalore franchise, Kohli said:

“Faf is going to be the captain of RCB, and I couldn’t be happier to pass on the baton to a good friend, someone that I have known well over the years. We’ve been in touch for many years now. He is one of the few guys from whom I have gotten to know a little bit more about cricket, and we get along very well.”

Kohli added that he is looking forward to playing under the former South African captain, adding:

“Absolutely excited for him to lead RCB and to play under him. The partnership with Faf is going to be an exciting one for the RCB fans along with Maxi (Maxwell) as well as the core group that we retained. The squad that we put together this year, I think, is pretty amazing. The team looks balanced, pretty strong, and I can’t wait to get started and catch up with Faf and the rest of the boys as well.”

On the upcoming season, Kohli said:

“We are going to start our new season pretty soon, something which I am very excited for. Renewed energy, looking forward to the season. It is going to be an amazing season to be a part of.”

Under Kohli, RCB made the playoffs in the last two IPL seasons but fell short of winning the elusive crown.

“A role I was glad to accept” – Faf du Plessis on being picked as RCB captain

Reacting after being named as RCB’s new captain, Du Plessis said that he is happy to take the responsibility of leading the team. He said:

“The opportunity to be the captain of a franchise like RCB is massive and a role I was glad to accept. The work is just going to begin as we try to build off the success the team has enjoyed in previous years. I would like to thank (the) RCB management and the coaching team for entrusting me with the role, and I will do my best to ensure a successful season this time with the desired outcome.”

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Du Plessis has featured in 100 IPL games and has scored 2935 runs at an average of 34.94 and a strike rate of 131.08.

The IPL 2022 schedule and the list of IPL teams is available here, click to view.