Experience counts, out of favour du Plessis shows how

Experience is worth its weight in gold and that's where Faf du Plessis made the difference with a match-winning knock to guide CSK to their seventh IPL final

That Faf du Plessis had played only four league matches before the qualifier is not an indication of his abilities, instead it speaks a lot about the fight for a spot in a top IPL side like Chennai Super Kings, especially if you are an overseas player.

Du Plessis carrying around drinks was not the most comforting sight but the smile on his face and CSK’s victories somehow blanketed it. It was only a matter of time before the South African captain would light up the IPL and he chose the grand stage of the qualifier to do so.

It needed an Avenger-like effort (not the one they showed against Thanos) for du Plessis to take CSK into their seventh IPL final and when you have the experience of 52 Test matches, 117 ODIs and 39 T20Is, the matter becomes less daunting, but by no means easy.    

"Faf's innings, is where experience counts. It's not easy when you don't play a lot of games but I always say you need to train your mind as well. That's where the experience comes in. You visualise what your role is, how you can contribute and Faf has been brilliant," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Du Plessis' 67 off 42 balls enabled CSK to chase down a tricky target of 140 in 19.1 overs after being down at 92 for 7.

The team combination played a major role in du Plessis not finding a regular place at the top of the order. Ambati Rayudu’s meteoric rise as an opener sort of closed the doors for du Plessis, who Dhoni believes is most suited right at the top.

But trust Dhoni to fall back to experience when it comes to the big matches. He quite tactfully brought du Plessis back the playing XI in their last league match and also gave Watson his place back in the qualifier to plug the holes in the otherwise strong CSK batting line-up.

The yellow brigade now have four days before they meet anyone among Sunrisers, Knight Riders and Royals in the finals, knowing that their ‘daddy army’ has found a new shoulder in du Plessis.