Faf Du Plessis Hints At CSK Return (Source: AFP Photos)
Faf du Plessis starred with the bat on Friday (June 19) in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 opener, which took place at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. Playing for Texas Super Kings as captain, the South African veteran made an unbeaten 53-ball 112, which had seven sixes and nine fours, to power his side to a commanding six-wicket victory.
Texas Super Kings is a sister franchise of the five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Du Plessis, who used to play for CSK earlier, represents CSK’s another sister franchise, Joburg Super Kings, as well.
Faf du Plessis Opens Up On Possibility Of CSK Return
When it comes to IPL, du Plessis represented four teams: CSK, Rising Pune Supergiant, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Among them, CSK was the one closest to his heart.
Du Plessis, over two stints, was part of the CSK for seven seasons. He was at his absolute best in IPL 2021, having made 633 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.21. Eventually, it played a pivotal role in CSK’s IPL triumph in that year.
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At the post-match presentation, du Plessis spoke highly of the Super Kings management. With that, the rumours began to speculate whether he would return to CSK for IPL 2027, even if there is a vacancy in the coaching staff.
"I really enjoy it, and I keep coming back. It is one of my tournaments in the season that I really look forward to. I enjoy batting here as well. Always great to be associated with any of the Super Kings franchise," Du Plessis said.
"It's a good franchise to be a part of. Very loyal and great fanbase as well. You always feel like you want to repay all the years that you've been with them. I still have that same desire; it doesn't change," he added.
Faf du Plessis Rewrites MLC History Once Again
Faf du Plessis, aged 41 now, has been a consistent performer in the MLC, having smashed four centuries in the competition over the years. To give a context, no other player has even managed to have three MLC centuries.
Most Individual 100s In MLC
- 4- Faf du Plessis*
- 2- Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher, Fin Allen
- 1- Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickleton, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Seifert*
Overall, du Plessis has played 27 matches in MLC, all for Texas Super Kings. He has tallied 1047 runs at an average of 43.62, with the strike rate reading 167.25.
However, du Plessis looked miserable with the bat in hand in the inaugural edition of MLC, which happened in 2023. Back then, he played seven matches and could muster only 46 runs at an average of 6.57. 14 was his highest score in that season.
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