IPL 2021: Big blow to Chennai Super Kings as this star player gets injured before UAE leg

The second-placed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may have received a huge setback as their form opening batsman Faf du Plessis has sustained a groin injury playing in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) captaining the Saint Lucia Kings.

Faf du Plessis was nowhere to be seen in his side's final league stage game against the Barbados Royals as wicket-keeper batsman Andre Fletcher stepped into the South African cricketer's shoes for the day. The Kings lost the game but still they qualified for the semi-finals and will face Trinbago Knight Riders in the first knockout.

The extent of his injury is still unknown but if Faf du Plessis doesn't feature in the semi-final game as well, it could mean the injury is serious and could prove to be a big blow for the MS Dhoni-led side as they play their first game in the second phase of IPL 2021, a few days later on Sunday.

The @fun88eng coin toss has taken place and the @BarbadosRoyals have won the toss and will be bowling first. #CPL21 #BRvSLK #CricketPlayedLouder #Fun88 pic.twitter.com/ATgGPwyxgQ

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 12, 2021

The Proteas batsman is currently the third-hight run-getter in the IPL 2021 scoring 320 runs in just seven games and was one of the important factors in CSK winning five games out of the seven they played before the tournament was suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak in May.

Faf has been in terrific form with the bat as well for the St Lucia Kings having scored a century on the way to a fabulous knock of 120* and in his last game smashed 84 runs off just 54 balls.

Chennai Super Kings will resume the9r campaign against the Mumbai Indians on September 19.