Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis has expressed surprise at MS Dhoni’s reappointment as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) midway through the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.

Dhoni had stepped down as CSK’s captain two days ahead of the IPL 2022 season, passing the baton to Ravindra Jadeja. However, the 40-year-old was reinstated in the role on Saturday (April 30).

Jadeja decided to relinquish the position after the Super Kings suffered 6 defeats out of their 8 games under him.

As soon as MS Dhoni took charge of the side, CSK got back to winning ways, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 13 runs on Sunday (May 1). The franchise is currently occupying the ninth spot on the points table.

CSK’s next clash is against the RCB on Wednesday (May 4) and Du Plessis said playing against a team captained by the former India skipper will be a challenge for his side.

"I am surprised that it’s happened in-season. I am also surprised that it happened the way that it did in the start of the season. So the two surprises almost canceling each other out," Faf du Plessis told RCB in a video chat.

"So obviously, there is no secret there. I think when MS is there, when he is captain, he does get the best out of the players. That’s been a big part of CSK’s success. That’s a big challenge for us, we have to make sure that’s not a factor tomorrow (Wednesday)."

RCB have won 5 out of their 10 matches so far and they are currently in need of consistent victories to qualify for the playoffs.

RCB’s director of cricket operations, Mike Hesson, said that his side will be looking to put CSK under pressure in the crucial clash.

"We got some confidence out of the last game from things that we did a lot better. We just look for that little extra point of difference...Our middle-over bowling has been one of the best in the competition. We know their strengths. We are going to try and apply pressure in different ways," Hesson said.