IPL 2023: Looking forward to playing in front of a packed stadium, says Faf du Plessis | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis is excited to be playing in front of the home crowd as the IPL returns to home and away format this year.
After participating in the inaugural edition of SA20 where he led the Joburg Super Kings to the semifinals, du Plessis now sets his sights on the upcoming IPL starting from March 31.
The South African, who took over the captaincy from Virat Kohli last year, expressed his happiness after reaching Bengaluru.
“It’s great to be back in Bangalore. I didn’t really get to experience the home crowd last season. Really really excited for this year, because I will be playing in front of a packed stadium. I am really looking forward to that,” Faf said in a video posted by RCB on their social media.

“SA League was the last competition that we played. Hopefully, I can hit the ground running again,” he added.
The captain further said that he had been in touch with the key players and the coaches, “I think it’s important just to touch base with some of the overseas players, especially where they are in the world, how are they doing and how are their bodies doing? Obviously, the coaching staff as well-being in touch with them.
“A couple of young niggles in the team, we’re just trying to make sure we work our way through that. We’ve been joining nice and early so it’s nice for everyone to spend some time together as a team before the competition starts,” du Plessis said.
RCB had a brilliant IPL season last year, finishing fourth with eight in 14 matches. Coming for his second stint with RCB, du Plessis will be hoping to help his side get their hands on the elusive IPL trophy this time.
The three-time finalist will open their campaign against the five-time champion Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 2 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.