IPL 2020, KXIP vs CSK: Faf du Plessis said credit must be given to MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming for backing their players who were under pressure before the 10-wicket win against Kings XI Punjab. He said it isn’t as easy as it looks to stick with the same team despite being under pressure.
Faf du Plessis backed Stephen Fleming’s animated reactions during CSK’s win over KXIP (AFP File Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Faf du Plessis delighted for opening partner Shane Watson who hit top form on Sunday
- Nerves more than what they used to be but it shows just he is also human: Du Plessis on Fleming
- It is a Chennai way to stick with the players more than other teams: Faf du Plessis
Chennai Super Kings’ star opener Faf du Plessis said he liked the animated expressions from head coach Stephen Fleming during their 10-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab in Dubai on Sunday. With the big victory, CSK jumped to the 6th spot on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 points table.
Stephen Fleming was visibly animated as Chennai Super Kings were once again sloppy on the field after being asked to field by KL Rahul who won the toss in their crunch encounter. Both CSK and KXIP had won only one out of their 4 matches and were desperate for a win. The television cameras made sure they caught Stephen Fleming losing his cool a bit as CSK were looking to end their 3-match losing streak.
IPL 2020, KXIP vs CSK – Highlights
Faf du Plessis defended the reactions from his coach, saying he is also human and tends to be animated despite the aura of a calm captain and head coach at Chennai Super Kings.
“Saw that it’s very unlike him and mostly the rugged bear that he is growing. Nerves more than what they used to be but it shows just he is also human. He also cares for the team to really do well. It’s sometimes good to see that. We always see a calm coach and captain from Chennai. It’s also said that the guys really care. I like that,” Faf du Plessis said after hitting a match-winning 87not out on Sunday.
Not as easy as it looks: Faf du Plessis on CSK’s habit to retain same playing XIs
Chennai Super Kings stormed to a 10-wicket win as Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson added 181 for the opening wicket – a record partnership for the 3-time champions in the history of IPL.
Shane Watson did not have the best of starts to the IPL 2020 season with only one 30-plus score in 4 matches before Sunday’s blistering knock. Faf du Plessis pointed out that it’s not as easy as it looks when it comes to sticking with the same side despite being under pressure.
“Great that Watto (Watson) got those runs as well for us, he’s a big player in our side. I thought in the previous game we were good with the ball, but we didn’t bat well. Today Watto was a big plus for us. A lot of guys haven’t played cricket, so you hope that you strike form immediately. But when that doesn’t happen, it does take a bit of time,” du Plessis said.
“Credit to MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming for sticking with the side. It is a Chennai way to stick with the players more than other teams might even when others feel like making changes. It comes with experience and credit to the management for sticking with the players. It isn’t as easy as it looks.”