Faf du Plessis has made an indelible impression on international cricket, and his achievements in franchise cricket throughout the world. He continues to set high standards.
The 38-year-old’s extensive experience, savvy leadership, and team building abilities have made him a valuable addition to the teams he has represented during his career. His decade long stay with the Chennai Super Kings was a special highlight of his career.
Faf du Plessis had a great career with CSK. He played a key role in their 2021 triumph. Du Plessis wrote in his novel Faf Through Fire: A novel on how head coach Stephen Fleming went about his coaching responsibilities while complimenting MS Dhoni’s leadership approach.
“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’ time with CSK ended on a good note at the end of the 2021 season. In the 2022 mega-auction, he was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he presently serves as captain.
The ten year stint with the four time champs left a profound mark on du Plessis. He benefited much from Fleming’s advice, which he later applied to his own leadership style with South Africa and now with RCB.
Faf du Plessis on Fleming – “I experienced him as a great man manager”
Even after leaving CSK, Faf du Plessis continued to play under Stephen Fleming’s guidance as Fleming was named head coach of the Joburg Super Kings for the first season of SA20. The Joburg Super Kings finished as semi-finalists under du Plessis’ guidance.
Faf du Plessis has shed additional insight on Stephen Fleming’s tactics:
“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’ book, Faf Through Fire, was released in India on May 15. It is accessible in bookshops and on major e-commerce sites around the country.