Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has opened up about his long-standing emotional connection with the Super Kings franchise, reflecting on his journey from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL to now leading Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in the SA20 League.
At 41 years of age, Faf continues to defy time, remaining hungry to perform and lead, as he prepares for his fourth consecutive season as captain of JSK.
💛 A Decade-Long Bond With CSK
Looking back at his IPL journey, du Plessis described his signing with CSK as a turning point in his career.
“For me, getting signed the same year when I made my international debut by CSK was a huge starting point of my career,”
Faf said while speaking to SA20.
Faf spent 10 memorable seasons with CSK, during which he became an integral part of one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.
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🏆 3 IPL titles with CSK
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🏏 Countless match-winning performances
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💛 A deep bond with the franchise and its people
🟡 The Fairytale That Didn’t Happen — In the IPL
Du Plessis admitted he had always imagined finishing his IPL career with CSK, but circumstances didn’t allow it to happen.
“You have this fairytale in your mind that somehow I would finish back in the IPL where I started my career with CSK. I thought that was always on the cards, but life doesn’t always work out like that,”
he said.
Despite the missed opportunity in the IPL, Faf expressed gratitude that SA20 has given him the chance to live that dream in another form.
🇿🇦 SA20 Gives Faf a Second Home in Yellow
With India Cements investing in South African cricket through SA20, Faf found a familiar environment at Joburg Super Kings.
“I was very happy when they decided to invest in South African cricket. You want to be with people you know, trust, and have a good relationship with. I’m glad it’s still possible to finish with the Super Kings here in SA20,”
he added.
Faf made it clear that he is loving his time with JSK and is eager to win the SA20 title wearing yellow.
📊 Faf du Plessis’ IPL Career at a Glance
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🏏 Matches: 154
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🔢 Runs: 4,773
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📈 Average: 35.10
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🚀 Strike Rate: 135.79
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🧢 Highest Score: 96
He represented:
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Chennai Super Kings
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Rising Pune Supergiants
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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Delhi Capitals
🏆 IPL Glory With CSK
Du Plessis won two IPL finals with CSK:
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🏆 2018
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🏆 2021
His finest moment came in the 2021 IPL final, where he was named Player of the Match for a brilliant 59-ball 86, powering CSK to 192 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
🧠 A Legacy in Yellow Continues
While Faf du Plessis may not finish his career where it all began in the IPL, his journey with the Super Kings lives on through SA20. For the veteran batter, it’s about belonging, trust, and finishing his story in familiar colors.
