The Chennai Super Kings-owned Johannesburg franchise on Sunday lauded former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and stated the previous CSK star will play a key position within the inaugural version of the CSA T20 league as one in all its marquee gamers.
Du Plessis, who was a part of CSK within the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2011 to 2021, besides in 2016 and 2017, when the workforce was suspended, was lately roped in by the Johannesburg franchise. Du Plessis, nevertheless, performed for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) within the final version of the IPL.
“Faf (du Plessis) has been the backbone of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL for the last 10 years. He has been one of the most consistent players for our team. We didn’t get the privilege of picking him during the last IPL auction. We were looking for an opportunity and that came in the CSA T20 League,” CSK CEO KS Viswanathan stated in a press launch.
“We are glad that we acquired Faf again with the Super Kings household. This can be an excellent alternative for Faf to come back again and do effectively for Chennai Super Kings. His expertise as a participant and captain for South Africa, figuring out the circumstances, can be invaluable. I’m certain that with him within the workforce, we can have a greater future.”
Apart from du Plessis, the franchise additionally roped in England all-rounder Moeen Ali, Sri Lanka spinner Mahesh Thekshana, West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd and South African pacer Gerald Coetzee. “As per CSA rules, we are eligible to take four players from the contracted list of available players… one marquee player from South Africa. From the remaining three, not more than two can be from one country,” Viswanathan stated.
“We have decided to pick Faf, Moeen, Mahesh and Romario as the four players signed by Cricket South Africa. We are also allowed to take a development player from South Africa. We have decided on Gerald, as recommended by Faf,” he stated.
The franchise additionally praised Ali and stated that Ali’s expertise in white-ball cricket would turn out to be useful through the event. “Everyone is conscious of his potential as an all-rounder and his abilities in white-ball cricket. We are very glad to retain Moin.
The franchise additionally backed the signing of 22-year-old Thikasana and stated that he was included within the squad as a result of Sri Lankan’s latest efficiency in limited-overs cricket. “In South African conditions, a spinner of his caliber will benefit greatly and I am sure he will be able to do well there,” Viswanathan stated.
“I am sure that with the auctions in mid-September, we should be able to pick a good team,” he added.
The inaugural version of the CSA T20 league is scheduled to be performed in January-February 2023 and all of the six franchises within the event have been acquired by the present house owners of the IPL workforce.
Apart from CSK proudly owning the Johannesburg-based franchise, MI Cape Town is the sister franchise of Mumbai Indians and groups from Durban, Gakebera (previously Port Elizabeth), Paarl and Pretoria are owned by Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi . capitals respectively.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
