Faf du Plessis decided to let go of the South African captaincy a couple of years ago. He also decided to pursue a career as a T20 freelancer in leagues around the world, but hadn't retired from T20 international cricket. South Africa did not pick him in their 15 man squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup amid a lot of outrage.
After having a brilliant season in the Caribbean Premier League, Faf du Plessis established himself as the best overseas opener in the IPL as he finished the league stage of IPL 2021 with 546 runs from 14 matches at an average of 45.50 and a strike rate of 137.53.
Du Plessis struck 5 half centuries in the league stage with the help of 23 boundaries and 20 sixes. He made 76 off 55 deliveries in Chennai Super Kings' last match of the group stage in a total of 134 on a tough surface in Dubai.
Faf's top score in the season of 95 not out came against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 15th match of IPL 2021 as he took CSK to a massive total of 220.
This is what Faf du Plessis, Player of the Match, had to say after Chennai's 18-run victory.
"This was the most fluent I've felt so far. Felt the previous game things started to get better. Tonight was another step. It's about the rhythm of the flow of the hands. Few games before this and even tonight spinners were the best bowlers. Even Jadeja bowled well for us. The ball just grips a bit. We thought the seamers from the other side could catch up."
"Gaikwad is a fantastic young talent. Those first couple of balls you can feel on edge as a batter. Beautiful to see him trust the timing and the technique. For a small guy he hits the ball a long way. Been very lucky playing under MS for a long time. He knows what he's doing, it's a pleasure to play under him. There was dew tonight and then it was a proper batter's game."
The South African opener has formed a brilliant combination with Ruturaj Gaikwad and the two have helped CSK get off to a brilliant start more often than not. They might not be the most explosive players going around but what they lose in firepower, they make it up with consistency.
