‘My biggest learning curve’ – Faf du Plessis recalls playing under MS Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis recently recalled the lessons he learned while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Du Plessis was a part of CSK for 11 seasons starting from 2011- 2021 and played several memorable innings for his side.

Recalling the successful phase where he was part of two IPL triumphs, du Plessis said that it was great to be a part of that dressing room as a young guy under the leadership of captain MS Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming as he got to learn a lot from the duo.

Also Read: ‘He likes smoking a bit’ – George Bailey’s old clip revealing MS Dhoni’s liking for hookah resurfaces

“Firstly, it was great to be part of that dressing room as a young guy. Probably my biggest learning curve was being fortunate enough to be there under Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni really at the start of my initial journey. Just to see the big guns do things, it was great to learn from them. During my first season, I was just sitting and asking questions and observing them,” Faf du Plessis was quoted as saying by IndiaToday.

Further speaking ahead du Plessis praised Dhoni’s calm demeanour under pressure and said that he makes a difference to the bowling attack.

“MS is Captain Cool, as they call him. He is always very calm under pressure. So it’s always important that under pressure or when the stakes are a bit more higher, you remain relaxed and it makes a big difference to the bowling attack, especially. Very lucky to have played under him,” he added.

Faf du Plessis will lead Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2024

Also Read: ‘Would like to explore India first’ – MS Dhoni’s old video resurfaces amid Maldives row

Notably, one of the most incredible innings of du Plessis’ IPL career for CSK came during Qualifier 1 against Sunrisers Hyderabad when he scored 67 (42) to help his side chase down 140 after they were 62/6. Another one of his memorable knocks came during the IPL 2021 final where he scored 86* (59) against Kolkata Knight Riders and won the Player of the Match.

Meanwhile, du Plessis will be next seen leading Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2024 who begin their campaign against defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape on January 10, 2024.