Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has revealed that he never thought that South African batsman Faf du Plessis was a dangerous T20 player.
Du Plessis is a vital member of team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and he has batted exceptionally well for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. So far, the 37-year-old has scored 546 runs in 14 matches at an average of 45.50 and with a good strike rate of 137.53.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo about Faf du Plessis, Gambhir told the proteas batter has exceeded the expectations. Also, Gambhir opined that Du Plessis never had an impact like Shane Watson had for CSK. He stated:
“Honestly, if you ask me, yes, he has exceeded expectations. I never thought he was that dangerous a T20 batter. Yes, he had got runs for CSK, but he’s never had the impact someone like Shane Watson had.”
Gautam Gambhir further added that Faf du Plessis has exceeded the expectations of several people with his outstanding batting performance.
“He will score those 50 off 40 balls but he cannot hurt the opposition bowlers. He’s not going to be an all-out match-winner. If Shane Watson gets runs, he’ll get a 100 off 60 balls. So yeah, Faf has definitely exceeded all the expectations, not only of myself but of a lot of other people as well,” said Gambhir.
Faf du Plessis Was In Good Form Even In The CPL – Gautam Gambhir
Image Source: Twitter
The 39-year-old opined that Du Plessis’ good form in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) helped him a lot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.
“He was in good form even in the CPL. Those who are coming into the play after playing in some league have better chances to do well as IPL is a high-quality tournament. Runs under your belt is always important,” said Gambhir
Gambhir further compared Du Plessis’s situation with Eoin Morgan and said it’s important to utilise every bit of good form because it’s difficult to find the form when it’s gone.
“There is no alternative to experience. With experience, Faf knows, when you are in good form, you have to make the most of it. Once you lose it becomes very difficult to find. Look what is happening to Eoin Morgan,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finished the league stage at the number 2 position and they will lock horns with Delhi Capitals (DC) in qualifier 1 on Sunday.
