18: Faf du Plessis, one of the most iconic players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has always been known not just for his batting prowess and leadership skills but also for his unique and signature style on and off the field. One of the most noticeable aspects of du Plessis’ cricketing identity is his jersey number. His choice of jersey number has a deep significance that reflects his personality, career journey, and the evolution of his role in the IPL.
The Journey of Faf du Plessis in the IPL
Faf du Plessis made his IPL debut in 2012 with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a franchise that would become synonymous with his career. The South African cricketer was drafted by CSK for his solid technique and his adaptability in different formats of the game. Initially, Faf’s primary role in the IPL was as a top-order batsman, and over time, he evolved into a leader when given the chance, captaining the team in various seasons.
IPL Career Overview of Faf du Plessis
| Year | Team | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | Strike Rate | Total IPL Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Chennai Super Kings | 6 | 107 | 26.75 | 140.26 | 107 |
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings | 10 | 398 | 44.22 | 140.35 | 505 |
| 2014 | Chennai Super Kings | 14 | 398 | 33.17 | 125.42 | 903 |
| 2015 | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 455 | 41.36 | 130.41 | 1,358 |
| 2016 | Rising Pune Supergiants | 12 | 389 | 32.41 | 118.96 | 1,747 |
| 2018 | Chennai Super Kings | 12 | 446 | 55.75 | 140.75 | 2,193 |
| 2019 | Chennai Super Kings | 12 | 399 | 44.33 | 140.73 | 2,592 |
| 2020 | Chennai Super Kings | 9 | 449 | 40.81 | 140.75 | 3,041 |
| 2021 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 11 | 468 | 39.00 | 138.2 | 3,509 |
| 2022 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 16 | 468 | 39.00 | 138.2 | 3,977 |
Du Plessis’ IPL journey is one filled with consistency, leadership, and adaptability. His ability to play across different teams and continue performing at a high level has kept him in demand throughout his career. The one constant throughout this journey has been his jersey number—18.
The Significance of Jersey Number 18
The number 18 on Faf du Plessis’ shirt has become his trademark in the IPL, but what is the story behind this specific choice?
Personal Significance: Faf du Plessis has often mentioned that the number 18 holds personal significance. It is linked to the birthdate of his brother, who played a crucial role in Faf’s early life and cricketing career. For du Plessis, the number serves as a constant reminder of family, support, and the role his brother played in helping him achieve his dreams.
Numerological Belief: While there is no formal confirmation that Faf adheres to numerology, there is a belief that the number 18 is auspicious. The sum of the digits of 18 (1 + 8) equals 9, a number that many cultures consider to be lucky and associated with leadership and perseverance. For a player of Faf’s caliber, this symbolic connection might be an additional factor in the choice of number.
Familiarity and Consistency: Over the years, du Plessis has established himself as a consistent performer in the IPL, and his number 18 has become as iconic as his on-field performances. Changing it at any point in his career might have been seen as an unnecessary distraction. Keeping the same number allows Faf to maintain a sense of continuity in his professional life, aligning his jersey number with his long-standing success in the league.
Key Stats of Faf du Plessis in IPL History
| Season | Matches Played | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 6 | 107 | 26.75 | 140.26 | 0 | 0 | 43 |
| 2013 | 10 | 398 | 44.22 | 140.35 | 3 | 0 | 71* |
| 2014 | 14 | 398 | 33.17 | 125.42 | 3 | 0 | 71 |
| 2015 | 16 | 455 | 41.36 | 130.41 | 5 | 0 | 67 |
| 2016 | 12 | 389 | 32.41 | 118.96 | 3 | 0 | 67 |
| 2018 | 12 | 446 | 55.75 | 140.75 | 5 | 0 | 96 |
| 2019 | 12 | 399 | 44.33 | 140.73 | 4 | 0 | 67 |
| 2020 | 9 | 449 | 40.81 | 140.75 | 4 | 0 | 71* |
| 2021 | 11 | 468 | 39.00 | 138.2 | 5 | 0 | 73* |
| 2022 | 16 | 468 | 39.00 | 138.2 | 4 | 0 | 73 |
Faf’s Leadership and Jersey Number
When Faf du Plessis took on the leadership role with Chennai Super Kings during the 2020 IPL season and later with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021, his jersey number continued to carry the weight of leadership. It became a symbol of his calm, calculated approach to captaincy. Under his leadership, CSK won the IPL title in 2021, cementing Faf’s place in the hearts of fans.
His leadership style is often compared to his jersey number: steady, reliable, and always present when needed the most. The number 18, which he wore with pride, encapsulated his role not just as a batsman but also as a guiding force on the field.
The Impact of Number 18 on Fan Culture
In the world of cricket, the connection between a player’s jersey number and their identity is powerful. For Faf, the number 18 has become iconic not just among his fans in South Africa but also among IPL supporters, particularly those who follow the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. It has become more than just a number—it’s part of his legacy.
Faf du Plessis and the IPL Legacy of Jersey Numbers
Faf’s jersey number is now part of IPL folklore. He joins a select group of cricketers whose jersey numbers have become an integral part of their on-field persona:
| Player | Team | Jersey Number | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | Chennai Super Kings | 7 | Symbol of leadership and consistency |
| Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 18 | Symbol of passion and commitment |
| AB de Villiers | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 17 | Iconic for adaptability and explosiveness |
| Ricky Ponting | Mumbai Indians | 16 | Icon of international cricket leadership |
Faf du Plessis’ number 18, much like the other legendary numbers, has transcended mere digits to symbolize the character and journey of the player it represents.
Faf du Plessis’ IPL journey is one marked by excellence, leadership, and a profound connection to his jersey number. The number 18 is not just a number on his back—it is a reflection of his career, his values, and his legacy. Whether as a dependable opener for CSK or as the captain of RCB, the number 18 continues to inspire both his teammates and his fans.
In the world of sports, where athletes often change numbers to fit personal narratives or team needs, Faf’s decision to stick with 18 speaks volumes about his identity, his journey, and his belief in consistency and legacy. The number will forever be associated with Faf du Plessis’ indelible impact on the IPL.
