- Shamser Khalid
Faf du Plessis: “I Can't Captain Like Dhoni or Kohli”
MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis have shared the cricket field as teammates for several years, representing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their partnership has not only fostered a strong camaraderie but also provided du Plessis with valuable insights into Dhoni's exceptional leadership skills.
As one of the most revered captains in the history of cricket, MS Dhoni has recently hinted at entering the "final phase" of his illustrious career. While his future plans remain uncertain, cricketers around the world have been expressing their admiration and respect for the enigmatic CSK skipper. Faf du Plessis, who has predominantly played for CSK in the IPL, had the opportunity to share his thoughts on Dhoni during an exclusive conversation with NDTV.
Du Plessis expressed his gratitude for having the chance to learn from influential leaders like Graeme Smith, Stephen Fleming, and MS Dhoni throughout his career. During his tenure with the South African national team, du Plessis played under the captaincy of Graeme Smith. However, it was when he joined Chennai Super Kings that he had the privilege of closely observing the tactics and leadership of both Fleming and Dhoni.
Although du Plessis did not receive much playing time during his initial season with CSK, he made the most of his opportunities to interact with the coaching staff. Sitting alongside Stephen Fleming, he eagerly absorbed knowledge about leadership and management, surpassing expectations with his inquisitiveness. However, it was Dhoni's captaincy style that captivated du Plessis the most. He closely studied Dhoni from a distance, meticulously analyzing his methods and seeking to understand the qualities that made him an incredibly successful captain.
Du Plessis acknowledged that Dhoni's calm demeanor left a lasting impression on him. He confessed that he attempted to emulate Dhoni's composure in his own role as a leader. The South African skipper believes in maintaining a sense of tranquility and clarity when communicating with his players. He emphasizes the importance of giving one's best effort and moving forward, just as Dhoni does. The moniker "Captain Cool" bestowed upon Dhoni resonated with du Plessis, as he recognized the significance of remaining composed even in the most challenging situations.
In conclusion, Faf du Plessis expressed his gratitude for the invaluable lessons he learned from MS Dhoni. While acknowledging that he could never replicate Dhoni's captaincy style entirely, he emphasized the significance of incorporating valuable traits from various leaders into his own approach. Dhoni's serenity and ability to stay cool under pressure had a profound impact on du Plessis, shaping his own leadership style.
The bond between Dhoni and du Plessis extends beyond the cricket field. Their shared experiences at CSK have not only nurtured a strong friendship but have also allowed du Plessis to grow as a leader. As both players navigate the latter stages of their respective careers, the influence of Dhoni's leadership will undoubtedly continue to leave a lasting impact on du Plessis and inspire future generations of cricketers.
