The cricketing world is abuzz with pleasure because the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its 2024 season opener on March 22. The extremely anticipated match will witness the everlasting rivalry between two cricketing powerhouses, Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), unfolding on the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Faf Du Plessis’ journey: From CSK mainstay to RCB skipper
Faf du Plessis, the seasoned campaigner and former Chennai Tremendous Kings stalwart, has discovered himself in a brand new function because the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Du Plessis’ affiliation with CSK dates again to 2012, the place he emerged as a key determine within the staff’s lineup, showcasing his batting prowess as an opener. With a commendable file of over 2700 runs in 92 matches, the Proteas star turned synonymous with CSK’s success, taking part in an instrumental function of their triumph within the 2021 season.
Nevertheless, the winds of change swept by the IPL as Du Plessis transitioned to the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp following his launch from CSK earlier than the 2022 mega public sale. Tasked with main RCB, Du Plessis now embarks on a brand new chapter in his IPL journey.
Du Plessis names the best captain
In a candid interview with Star Sports activities main as much as IPL 2024, Du Plessis took a second to acknowledge the profound affect of MS Dhoni on his profession and management type. Reflecting on his adolescence at Chennai Tremendous Kings, Du Plessis expressed gratitude for the invaluable classes realized underneath Dhoni’s tutelage.
“He (Dhoni) is the best ever captain, and I’m very fortunate that I’ve spent a while with him through the years… it actually formed me,” remarked Du Plessis, emphasizing Dhoni’s pivotal function in shaping his method to management.
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Mutual respect amidst rivalry
Regardless of the extraordinary rivalry between CSK and RCB, Du Plessis emphasised the deep respect he holds for Dhoni, likening their relationship to that of siblings on the sphere. As anticipation mounts for the blockbuster opener, Du Plessis acknowledged the importance of going through off towards the long-lasting determine of Indian cricket.
“However clearly while you get on the sphere, it’s such an awesome match, the RCB-Chennai match, it goes again a lot with the 2 icons, or two of the three icons of Indian cricket. I believe the rationale why Chennai is so liked and adopted is MS Dhoni and the rationale why RCB is so liked and passionate is due to Virat Kohli so it’s particular for me to have had time with each of them so I’m very fortunate,” Du Plessis remarked, highlighting the historic context and status surrounding the conflict between the 2 franchises.