Virat Kohli’s infectious energy, which easily rubs off on everyone, is the secret, Faf du Plessis said, to the brilliant equation the duo share on and off the field in the IPL.
The South African, who took over the Royal Challengers Bangalore reins after Kohli stepped down at the end of the 2021 season, said batting with the prolific right-hander is an “unbelievable experience”.
“He is one of the favourite guys I like to bat with. He brings out so much energy in me, like sometimes, I feel I am fist bumping my glove through his hand because he gets so passionate out in the middle,” Du Plessis told Star Sports.
“It’s really infectious the way he gives that energy,... how this guy is always on.”
Kohli, who was out of the country since early this year, made his first appearance in the training session on Monday ahead of RCB opening this season against Chennai Super Kings on Friday.
Last season, he had 639 runs in the tournament, including two hundreds.
The former skipper was seen taking rounds of the Chinnaswamy Stadium as part of his warm-up. Du Plessis was also present.
While he may not be the captain anymore, Kohli’s inputs and role in lifting
the fielding unit’s energy is also something that Du Plessis admires.
“He is really important to me in terms of field (placements). He leads in so many things as far as a team is concerned but fielding is where he sets the tone and energy on the field,” he added.
On a humorous note though, the South African added how off the field, Kohli is “a terrible influence” on him with their shared love for food and fashion.
