PBKS vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2022: Rajapaksa, Smith star as Punjab crush Bangalore by 5 wickets

Still eying their maiden title triumphs, both teams will be eager to make a strong statement first up. Seasoned South African Faf du Plessis, who was acquired by RCB for Rs 7 crore in the IPL mega auction last month, will captain the side even as it continues its search for its first-ever title, having failed in the previous 14 outings. Mayank Agarwal, on the other hand will also be on his first outing as Punjab Kings skipper as the team start afresh in their pursuit of the maiden title.

Both RCB and PBKS have new captains at the helm in Faf du Plessis and Mayank Agarwal respectively, but Kohli will certainly attract a lot of attention now that he is not entrusted with leading the side, something which he last experienced in 2012. In the 2013 edition of the lucrative tournament, Kohli took over captaincy from New Zealander Daniel Vettori, and left the post last year after leading the team for eight seasons.

Relinquishing captaincy, however, will in no way take away any attention from Virat Kohli, who will look to rediscover his glorious touch and power the franchise to a maiden title triumph in the 2022 edition of the event.

Quitting captaincy may unburden Virat Kohli the batter but the focus will still remain on the maestro as Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Punjab Kings in their season opener at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai. For, it will be the first time Kohli will not be leading RCB in nearly a decade, turning out only as a player, instead.