Faf du Plessis has been right at the heart of Vista Riders’ impressive debut campaign in the Abu Dhabi T10, and he’s loving every bit of the chaos, pace and pressure that cricket’s fastest format brings.
With three wins in four games and back-to-back victories lifting the Riders to second place, Du Plessis says momentum is everything in a tournament where the margins are razor-thin.
“Every match in the Abu Dhabi T10 is extremely intense,” he said.
“It’s always nice to win two in a row. When you get a couple of wins together, it builds the momentum that’s so crucial in this format. There are a lot of strong teams here, so making the knockouts isn’t easy, but we want to go far.”
On teaming up with Sreesanth
One thing Faf didn’t expect this season? Sharing the dressing room and the new-ball pressure moments with S Sreesanth.
“I remember Sreesanth swinging the bat in the air in South Africa against Andre Nel a few years ago,” he recalled with a smile.
“Now it feels great to be on the same team as him. He’s always been incredibly passionate. He swings the ball beautifully, and when there’s a bit of movement in the air, he really helps us in crucial phases.”
A half-century at a strike rate of 212, and elite fitness at 37
Du Plessis has already made his presence felt with the bat. His first fifty of the season came against Northern Warriors on November 23, striking at a blistering strike rate of 212 and guiding Vista Riders to a comfortable chase with four balls to spare.
At 37, his fitness remains a talking point, and he says there’s nothing magical about it, just unwavering discipline.
“I put consistent effort into all areas,” he explained.
“I train four to five times a week at the gym and pay close attention to diet and nutrition. Recovery is just as important, including sleep, ice baths, and saunas. It’s a holistic approach.”
What’s next
With confidence high and performances clicking, Vista Riders now turn their focus to Ajman Titans, sitting sixth on the table. A win today at Sheikh Zayed Stadium would further strengthen their charge toward the playoffs in their first-ever T10 season.
