The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season opener is set for a fascinating clash of loyalties. Faf du Plessis, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart, will lead the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against his old team at their fortress, the Chepauk stadium.
Return to Familiar Grounds: Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis was a beloved member of CSK, contributing to their championship wins in 2018 and 2021. However, the 2022 mega-auction saw him move to RCB. Despite the change, his ties to the CSK “family” remain strong. He still captains the Jo’burg Super Kings and Texas Super Kings, CSK’s sister franchises in other leagues.
This time, however, his mission is to conquer Chepauk, a ground where RCB has struggled historically. Leading his team to victory would be their second ever win at the stadium.
Faf du Plessis’ Record at Chepauk
Faf du Plessis has a decent record at Chepauk, having scored 553 runs in 19 matches at an average of 36.87. However, his strike rate falls below 120, which could be a concern for RCB. His last outing there, against Mumbai Indians in 2019, resulted in a meager score of just 6 runs.
On the other hand, his performance against CSK itself has been positive. In three previous encounters, he has amassed 108 runs with a strike rate exceeding 160.
Touch of Rivalry: CSK vs RCB
Du Plessis’ most recent major tournament outing wasn’t ideal. He scored a modest 239 runs for the Jo’burg Super Kings in the SA20 season.
Despite facing CSK on the field, Faf du Plessis holds immense respect for his former captain, MS Dhoni. He credits Dhoni for shaping his leadership skills: “He is the greatest ever captain… Observing MS and Stephen Fleming at Chennai was the biggest influence on my leadership.”
This clash promises a unique blend of nostalgia and competitive spirit. While respect for his former team runs deep, Du Plessis will be determined to lead RCB to victory and potentially break CSK’s dominance at Chepauk.
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