Faf du Plessis Hails MS Dhoni as ‘Greatest Ever Captain’
As the cricket world gears up for the much-anticipated opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the spotlight intensifies on the two stalwarts of cricket – MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to battle it out in Chennai on March 22, in what promises to be an electrifying start to the tournament.
Faf du Plessis, Star SportsHe (Dhoni) is the greatest ever captain, and I am very lucky that I have spent some time with him over the years. I think that’s probably the biggest thing in my career, shaped me from a leadership perspective, were my years at Chennai, just observing MS and Stephen Fleming. As a young leader, it was special to my growth
Amidst the fanfare and competitive zeal, RCB captain Faf du Plessis has expressed significant admiration for his former CSK captain and mentor MS Dhoni. Du Plessis, who was a key figure in the CSK squad from 2012 to 2021, amassing over 2700 runs in 92 matches, lauded Dhoni not only for his on-field prowess but also for his influence on Faf’s own journey as a leader.
In the unfolding narrative of IPL, the 2022 season marked a significant shift for du Plessis, as he took on the captaincy role for RCB following Virat Kohli’s decision to step down. Faf du Plessis credits his time with CSK as foundational in shaping his leadership qualities, paying homage to the time he spent learning from Dhoni and CSK’s coach, Stephen Fleming.
Faf du Plessis, Star SportsI think the reason why Chennai is so loved and followed is MS Dhoni and the reason why RCB is so loved and passionate is because of Virat Kohli so it’s special for me to have had time with both of them so I’m very lucky.
This forthcoming match is not just a regular game; it stands as a testament to the legacy of great cricketers. Du Plessis recognizes the weight of this encounter, which not only features two of the most successful teams in IPL history, but also serves as a tribute to the iconic status of two cricketing giants – MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Du Plessis’ acknowledgement of Dhoni as “the greatest ever captain” is a heartening nod to the impact of mentorship and leadership in sport. With a stint as the captain of Jo’Burg Super Kings under his belt, he has been gearing up for the grand opener in Bengaluru, ready to lead his team against his former allies.
The RCB-Chennai clash is much more than a regular opening match; it is a celebration of cricketing greatness and the profound relationships that shape players into leaders. As fans across the globe wait in anticipation, the clash on March 22 is set to be a spectacle that encapsulates the spirit and passion of IPL cricket.
19:30 IST
