5 best South African batsmen in IPL
South African players have been an integral part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) right from the time it started. From the likes of Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis to AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn, they have been important members of their respective sides over the years.
As far as South African batsmen are concerned, 5 players have scored more than 1000 runs in the IPL. And all 5 of them feature in the list of the best South African batsmen to have played in the IPL.
Note – Stats are accurate as on 31st March 2018.
#5 Faf du Plessis
A lot of people remember the India-South Africa 2011 World Cup game for Robin Peterson’s last over heroics, but there was a batsman at the other end who remained calm and composed and scored a 23-ball 25. That batsman was Faf du Plessis. However, despite getting starts in most of his innings, du Plessis had a sedate first year in international cricket.
But the current South African skipper was picked up by Chennai Super Kings in the 2012 auctions. He repaid the franchise’s faith with some vital contributions. Opening the batting, he amassed 398 runs in 12 innings in his maiden IPL season. After a good first season, du Plessis continued to be an integral member of the CSK team. In each of the next two seasons with CSK (in 2014 and 2015), du Plessis scored more than 300 runs.
But when CSK were banned for two years, the South African skipper became a part of Rising Pune Supergiant. However, he could play only 8 games across the last two seasons owing to injury concerns.
But with 1295 runs in 46 innings, du Plessis is one of the best South African batsmen to have played in the IPL.
