at least three times Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, shared a photo on their official Twitter account today of India’s Cheteshwar Pujara and South Africa’s Faf du Plessis during a practise session ahead of IPL 2021. CSK called them the ‘Legends of Adelaide,’ alluding to both batsmen’s successes in Test cricket at that venue in the previous decade. “Legends of Adelaide in #Yellove! #WhistlePodu,” read the caption on the frame.
Legends of Adelaide in #Yellove! #WhistlePodu 💛🦁 pic.twitter.com/qalfvHvTHj
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 5, 2021
During India’s 2018 tour of Australia, Pujara played two courageous innings in the opening Test match at Adelaide, which helped India win by 31 runs and draw first blood in the series. After a fine 123-run innings off 246 deliveries in the first innings, the right-hander came back in the second innings to face 204 deliveries for his vital 71 runs and win the man-of-the-match trophy.
When Du Plessis made his Test debut in 2012, he scored two similarly battling knocks, cementing his place in Adelaide’s legends. South Africa earned a beneficial draw thanks to his 78 and 110 runs off 59 and 376 deliveries, respectively.
In the second innings, Du Plessis defied the Australian bowling line-up for more than seven hours, as well as weaving together a crucial 68-over partnership with AB de Villiers.
Once the IPL gets underway, both CSK batsmen will be willing to demonstrate their merit. On April 10, CSK will face Delhi Capitals in their first match.