'Best opening pair of IPL 2021': Twitterati give their verdict on CSK duo Ruturaj Gaikwad-Faf du Plessis

One of the biggest reasons for Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) dominance in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the form of their opening batters Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis. Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis continued their exceptional form against the Sunrisers Hyderabad as the duo broke the back of the chase in the first six overs.

Both of them were really watchful in the first couple of overs but just took off after that, Gaikwad began the attack hitting Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a couple of boundaries and Faf du Plessis started firing from the other end as well, after which it didn't matter for them, wh came into the attack, whether Jason Holder or Rashid Khan.

They brought up a fifty-run partnership in the 7th over and this was their 6th 50-plus stand in 11 innings in IPL 2021. 

6th fifty plus stand between Ruturaj and Faf Du Plessis from 11 innings in #IPL2021.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 30, 2021

Gaikwad and du Plessis combined for a 75-run partnership before Jason Holder got the breakthrough for the Sunrisers.

Gaikwad, who struggled in the first few games in the last season and initially in the ongoing season as well, has come back strongly and become one of the match-winners for CSK, while Faf du Plessis is on the fourth spot in the Orange Cap race.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra created a poll on Twitter asking who according to the fans is the best opening partnership of the IPL 2021 and Gaikwad and du Plessis got 65 percent of the fans' support in a poll which also had Delhi Capitals' pair of Shikhar Dhawan-Prithvi Shaw and Punjab Kings' KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.

Here are some of the reactions:

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis have added more runs than any other pair in IPL 2021. #IPL2021 #SRHvCSK

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) September 30, 2021

Yet another fifty stand between Faf Du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad. They've been fantastic for CSK this season, guided them excellently in the Powerplay.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 30, 2021

Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad - simply sensational this season. Reminding me of Watson-Rayudu from 2018 but even more consistent. After that game vs MI, CSK haven't lost a powerplay wicket.

This match vs SRH looks like a practice match before the finals.

— Sudharshan R (@rsudharshan95) September 30, 2021

Brilliant display of experience & youth in the Powerplay! Credit to Gaikwad & Faf Du Plessis for setting the tone after a safe couple of initial overs. The match seems to be ending early! @GulfNewsSport @gulf_news #IPLinUAE @IPL #CSKvSRH #IPL2021 #WhistlePodu #Yellove #CSK

— Arjan’s Cricket Reviews (@itsamarpreet) September 30, 2021

rituraj gaikwad and faf du Plessis before every match#CSKvsSRH pic.twitter.com/DfxxGa7g3N

— Barbaad engineer (@unmakedengineer) September 30, 2021

Gaikwad and Faf pic.twitter.com/IKDYS1iQgw

— ⁷* (@teri_galliyaan2) September 30, 2021