IPL 2022: Need to hold on to our chances – Faf du Plessis after disappointing loss against Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis admitted that catching led to their downfall in their opening match of IPL 2022 against Punjab Kings as they lost by five wickets at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Sunday.

RCB was able to post a par score of 205 runs after Mayank Agarwal won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Dinesh Karthik had two tough chances but he was not able to grab them. Anuj Rawat did impress in the field when he took two good catches to dismiss Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone. However, the youngster fluffed an easy catch of Odean Smith at the deep cover when he was only on one run.

Smith played a blistering cameo of 8-ball 25 to turn the match on its head and helped PBKS chase down the target with an over to spare. Faf du Plessis feels it could have been a different story had they caught their chances in the field.

Faf du Plessis said in the post-match presentation, “I think the batting was really good. The catches towards the end. Odean Smith 25 off 8 balls. I think we probably dropped him on 10. After that, we are looking at some tailenders coming in. The cliche of catches wins matches. There was a bit of dew out there, a tough night for the bowlers, but I thought they were pretty decent with the wet ball. Small margins, but they chased it down really well. They had a really good powerplay. The ball skidded on a bit more in the second innings and then we pulled it back beautifully.”

He added, “We did a lot of good things in the middle. But you know what Odean Smith can do to you. So you got to hold on to those chances. Even the other guy, Shahrukh Khan, didn’t really nail it tonight until the last couple of balls. So a completely different game if you hold on to those chances. I am tired! That First innings running, ohh (smiles). I am just glad I got away without injuring myself because I spent so much time on my elbows diving. It was tough to start with the bat today. The first four overs the ball was swinging, I was 1 off 10 I guess. Clutching the bat a bit hard but pleasing to get through it.”

Meanwhile, Faf du Plessis got off to a slow start as the ball was swinging in the initial overs. However, he was able to change gears and scored a fine knock of 88 runs off just 57 balls. Furthermore, Dinesh Karthik added the finishing touches as he scored 32 off just 14 balls whereas Kohli scored 41 runs. But RCB bowling couldn’t hit the right areas at the death.

RCB will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Wednesday.