Chennai Super Kings now have four IPL titles to their name. The season’s finale, which was hosted by Dubai International Cricket Stadium turned out to be a run-fest as Chennai scored 3/192, led by a splendid 59-ball-86 by Faf du Plessis. What made the batsmen’s onslaught even better was the fact that it came in after Eoin Morgan had invited them to bat first. Kolkata’s run-chase was paralyzed by an ailing middle-order as they lost the finale by 27 runs, ending the season as first runner-ups.
CSA’s congratulatory post snubs Faf du Plessis
Chennai Super Kings were crowned the champions and congratulatory posts were uploaded by one and all, including Cricket South Africa. But one thing made CSA’s post stand out… in a not-so-ideal way. They chose to congratulate ONLY Lungi Ngidi for winning the trophy, snubbing Faf du Plessis and Imran Tahir in the process. “Congratulations @lungingidi on claiming the 2021 IPL with Chennai Super Kings,” read the IG post’s caption.
This discrimination did not sit well with cricketers and fans alike. Faf du Plessis expressed his displeasure, commenting “… really?” and was accompanied by Dale Steyn in lashing out at their “disgusting” move of not paying respect to international veterans in Faf and Imran. The screenshot comprising the duo’s respective comments is attached below.
While the exact reason for their surprise snub can’t be pinpointed, it probably has to do with both Faf and Tahir preferring to represent Cricket South Africa only in shorter formats of the game. Worse, it may be influenced by the nation’s political stand; which lays stress on favoring black-skinned Africans over non-blacks.
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CSA deletes the post and re-uploads it with a new caption
The tables have turned and how! Turns out CSA chose to delete their Instagram post, owing to the treatment provided by Dale Steyn and Faf’s comments. They’ve now uploaded a new post. This time, the caption congratulates one and all, laying special emphasizes on Faf du Plessis, whose match-winning eighty-six was the primary reason CSK was able to clinch their 4th title. Exactly how it was supposed to be, we believe.
Congratulations to all the South Africans who competed in and claimed victory in the 2021 IPL Final with Chennai Super Kings. Notably Faf du Plessis who put in a Man of the match performance pic.twitter.com/rC9QaIZ90r
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 16, 2021