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Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has left a lasting impression on international cricket, and he is continuing to set high standards with his exploits in franchise cricket around the world.
The 38-year-old's vast experience, astute leadership and team-building skills have made him an asset for the teams he has represented over the course of his career. A particular highlight of his career has been his decade-long stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Faf du Plessis had a prolific stint in Yellow and he famously played a vital role in their latest title, in the 2021 season. Opening up about how head coach Stephen Fleming went about his coaching responsibilities while complementing MS Dhoni’s leadership style, Du Plessis wrote in his memoir Faf Through Fire:
“Flem was the antithesis of MS in terms of style. When I arrived, I assumed that the two of us would be more similar, because. I valued a structured approach to leadership that manifested in detailed planning, training and meetings.”
Du Plessis’ association with CSK ended on a high, at the close of the 2021 season. He was roped in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the subsequent 2022 mega-auction, where he is currently donning the role of captain.
The decade-long run with the four-time champions had a lasting impact on du Plessis. He profited immensely from the guidance of Fleming, which he then proceeded to incorporate into his own leadership style with South Africa and now with RCB.
“In my decade under Flem’s coaching, I experienced him as a great man manager” – Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis played under Stephen Fleming’s guidance even following his departure from CSK; Fleming was appointed as the Joburg Super Kings’ head coach for the inaugural season of SA20. Under du Plessis’ leadership, the Joburg Super Kings (JSK) ended up as semi-finalists.
The pair have formed quite a bond behind the scenes. Shedding more light on Stephen Fleming's methods over the years, du Plessis wrote:
“In my decade under Flem’s coaching, I experienced him as a great man manager. He is warm and earnest, he has a fantastic sense of humour, and he forms an instantaneous connection with players and members of his management just by being himself. His one-on-one style improves players, but he’s also a compelling public speaker with an intellectual touch. And, importantly, he doesn’t have an inflated ego.”
Faf du Plessis will be seen in action on Sunday, 21 May 2023 when he leads the RCB outfit in the final league stage encounter of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). RCB will take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Faf du Plessis’s memoir, Faf Through Fire, has been released on Monday, May 15, in India. It is available in bookstores across the country and on major e-commerce platforms.
