Latest news with #duPlessis
India Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
MI vs DC: No Axar Patel, KL Rahul in impact sub list as Faf du Plessis leads Delhi
Vice-captain Faf du Plessis stepped in to lead Delhi Capitals in a must-win group-stage encounter against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, after regular skipper Axar Patel was ruled out due to illness. The timing of Axar's absence couldn't have been worse, with the final playoff spot hanging in the balance. KL Rahul was also named only in the impact substitutes list and not included in the starting XI, raising eyebrows ahead of the virtual knockout won the toss and elected to bowl, with du Plessis citing the dryness of the Wankhede surface as a factor in the decision to chase. But the focus remained on Axar's absence, which left a void in both the batting and bowling departments. IPL 2025, MI vs DC Live UpdatesDu Plessis confirmed at the toss that Axar had been battling flu for the last two days and was in no condition to take the field. 'Axar has been really sick,' said du Plessis. 'We're definitely going to miss him. He's been outstanding for us this season, both as a leader and an all-rounder.'Despite the setback, du Plessis tried to rally his troops, calling the contest an 'excellent opportunity' to make a final push for a playoff berth. 'Yes, we haven't been at our best in the last five or six games, but this is our chance to show character. The boys are ready,' he need three guys to replace him — a batter, a bowler and a captain," he joked, keeping the changes under wraps despite the playing XIs being vs DC: Playing XIsMumbai Indians Playing XI: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit BumrahImpact Subs: Karn Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana RajuDelhi Capitals Playing XI: Faf du Plessis(c), Abishek Porel(w), Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Tristan Stubbs, Dushmantha Chameera, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh KumarImpact Subs: KL Rahul, Sediqullah Atal, Karun Nair, Tripurana Vijay, Manvanth KumarStay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment! IN THIS STORY#IPL 2025
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Why is Axar Patel not captaining Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians? DC's new skipper Faf du Plessis answers
Faf du Plessis walked out for the toss instead of Axar Patel in Delhi Capitals' must-win game against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, leaving fans scratching their heads. A few minutes later, du Plessis himself ended the suspense by revealing the reasons behind Axar Patel's absence. Du Plessis said Axar was suffering from flu. "He has been really ill for the last two days, down with flu. We'll miss him today," du Plessis said after winning the toss and opting to field first in the match against MI that could virtually seal the last remaining place in the IPL playoffs. When asked about the composition of the side, du Plesis said there was no like-for-like replacement for "a great bowler and brilliant batter like Axar". "Axar is not there, Axar is two players and it's difficult to replace him. We'll see how it goes," du Plessis. Young Madhav Tiwari, who is a fast-bowling all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, was brought into the side in place of Axar. The former South Africa captain said DC have not been at their best in the last few games but they would like to make a solid case for the playoff by beating MI on Wednesday. "The last game of the season, you have a crack to get to the top four, you'll smile and you'll grab that opportunity with both hands. Playing a good team today, we are ready for it. We haven't been at our best in the last 5-6 games. Everyday there's a new opportunity,. Looks a bit different to a normal Wankhede wicket, a bit dry, so we're sticking with the tone of the campaign and chasing," he said. Teams: Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Faf du Plessis(c), Abishek Porel(w), Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Kumar Delhi Capitals Impact Subs: KL Rahul, Sediqullah Atal, Karun Nair, Tripurana Vijay, Manvanth Kumar Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah. Mumbai Indians Impact Subs: Karn Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju
Otago Daily Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Canada rematch ‘definitely has fuelled a bit of fire'
Canadian and Black Ferns players (from left) Holly Phillips, Amy du Plessis, Emily Tuttosi, Tanya Kalounivale, Rori Wood and Ruahei Demant are ready for a big battle this afternoon. PHOTO: NEW ZEALAND RUGBY You can tell when someone is really enjoying their rugby. Black Fern Amy du Plessis had that vibe when she hit career-best form throughout the Super Rugby Aupiki season, which led to her being named Matatu player of the year. She topped the Aupiki table for carries (95) and finished second for defenders beaten (34) and fourth for metres gained (464). "I really just loved Aupiki," du Plessis told the Otago Daily Times. "I thought that it was a fun space to be a part of and I felt like I was really free. "So I'm hoping to bring that back into the Black Ferns as well and just have that spark to me that I did in Aupiki. "It's pretty easy to do that when you're playing alongside the likes of Portia [Woodman-Wickliffe], Sylvs [Brunt], Brax [Sorensen-McGee] — amazing rugby players — so just want to continue that." And she has, helping the Black Ferns get up 38-12 against the Wallaroos in their first test of the year last weekend. But the former Southland Girls' product knows they are in for another challenge against a sharp Canadian side this afternoon. Canada snatched a 22-19 victory last year — their first against the Black Ferns — to win the Pacific Four title. "It does make it a bit more of a big game. "We treat every test match kind of the same. We want to go out there, and kind of do our thing, and obviously get the results. "But yeah, definitely has fuelled a bit of fire. "I know that the girls are really pumped for it." The Black Ferns were clinical in the right parts of the field last week, and while there are always areas for improvement, they will need more of that when they face Canada, who beat the United States 26-14 two weeks ago. "They're obviously a really, really good side and they've shown that over the last two years. "For us, again we want to make sure we just focus on us . . . and when the game does open up just trying to play to the space and execute well." Du Plessis has been named to start in the No 13 jersey again and will have plenty of experience out wide with Woodman-Wickliffe named on the right wing. Du Plessis acknowledged it will be nice to be on the same side for the first time this year. "She's an elite player. Obviously been playing against her for Aupiki, it's been tough. "To have her alongside me this weekend will be awesome and can't wait to have her there and use her experience." Fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee gets another start at the back after scoring a brace on debut last week. The 18-year-old has been outstanding for the Blues in a breakout season — and continued that on the international stage. "She's a very mature player and just a great asset to our team," du Plessis said. "She's just really impressed all of us." Pacific Four Series Christchurch, 3.35pm Black Ferns: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Ayseha Leti-I'iga, Ruahei Demant, Maia Joseph, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Kennedy Tukuafu, Layla Sae, Maia Roos, Alana Bremner, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King, Mererangi Paul. Canada: Julia Schell, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Florence Symonds, Alexandra Tessier, Alysha Corrigan, Claire Gallagher, Justine Pelletier, Gabrielle Senf, Karen Paquin, Fabiola Forteza, Letitia Royer, Courtney O'Donnell, Daleaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Brittany Kassil. Reserves: Gillian Boag, Rori Wood, Caroline Crossley, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Mckinley Hunt, Tyson Beukeboom, Olivia Apps, Fancy Bermudez.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dricus du Plessis defends middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago
Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev are finally set to lock horns. On Tuesday, UFC CEO Dana White announced via Instagram Live that du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319, which goes down Aug. 16 at United Center in Chicago. It's the UFC's first trip to the Windy City since UFC 238 in 2019. Advertisement Undefeated since joining the UFC in 2020, du Plessis won the middleweight title in 2024, taking a split decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 297. He then successfully defended the title with a fourth-round submission of Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 last summer. Most recently, du Plessis solidified his hold on the middleweight title with a unanimous decision win over Strickland in their rematch at UFC 312 in February. The breakout star of 2020, the unbeaten Chimaev has long been considered a favorite to hold UFC gold, but struggled with availability in recent years. When Chimaev has made it to the cage, he's been electric, with eight wins inside the octagon, six by stoppage. Most recently, Chimaev submitted formed middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308 in the 2024 Submission of the Year, finally earning his crack at the title. More from
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev fight date revealed
Listen to article UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has confirmed that a long-anticipated title clash with undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev is all but official, with a fight announcement expected "very soon." Speaking on the Sias du Plessis Show, the South African champion revealed that while nothing has been signed yet, he has agreed to two potential fight dates. 'We have a date. We have the potential of two dates. I already agreed to both,' du Plessis said. 'A lot of people asking if it's this year. Yes, 100 percent. It's not that far away.' The 30-year-old champion also dismissed recent speculation that he was injured and would not return in 2025. 'All these rumors that came out about injuries, I don't know where they came from. It was ridiculous,' he said. 'I just left it for a week and thought, 'Everybody had their fun. Now you're all gonna look stupid.'' Du Plessis (23-3) captured the middleweight title earlier this year and has since been fielding questions about his first defence. The answer appears to be Chimaev (14-0), a rising force in the UFC known for his relentless style and dominance across weight classes. 'We've already agreed on a date, and that's been a while ago. So I'm just waiting for the contract,' du Plessis added. 'That's the fight that's happening. It's gonna be happening in the next couple of months, maximum four months.' While the UFC has yet to confirm the matchup, du Plessis' comments suggest the promotion is in the final stages of securing what would be one of the most anticipated middleweight title bouts in recent memory.
