Faf du Plessis talked up an area of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) game that isn't raved about as much as it deserves to. It is the intelligence of the team management to recognise the need for quality leadership around the group in a high-pressure event like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Hence, Du Plessis, the South African Test captain, lauded skipper MS Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming for bringing in many international captains into the team's camp throughout the league's history.
"A great thing that CSK has done over the years, and that's a credit to MS and (Stephen) Fleming the coach, is they have targeted captains — (Brendon) McCullum, myself, (Dwayne) Bravo, obviously MS, (Suresh) Raina's captained a bit — because they want thinking cricketers," the 35-year-old told CSK's website.
"So, there's a lot of leaders within the group, that experience of thinking cricketers is what they want and obviously it has proven to be very successful," he added.
"Chennai Super Kings is a great franchise to be a part of. MS has got such strong leadership. He leaves a massive hole when he's not on the field."
Du Plessis, who has been a flexible batsman for the side, also heaped praise on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the balance he brings to the table and his fielding.
"I love going to positions on the field where the ball goes all the time. We are lucky at CSK that we got a few very good fielders. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) is incredible, he has got the strongest arm in world cricket. Jaddu wants them to try and run. He jogs to the ball because he knows if you run, you are out," he said.
CSK has won the title thrice and reached more finals than anyone else.
The team would've been hoping to flex its muscles and go for the trophy once again this season, but the league's 13th edition is currently under suspension due to COVID-19 pandemic.
"The IPL, both for players and fans around the world, has become an integral part of the season. I was really looking forward to it this year," Du Plessis concluded.
(Inputs from PTI)
