Faf du Plessis will lead TSK in MLC 2025 [Source: @TexasSuperKings/x.com]
Age is just a number and Faf du Plessis keeps proving that with every game he plays. Just weeks away from turning 41, the evergreen South African is all set to lead Texas Super Kings (TSK) once again in Major League Cricket 2025, which kicks off on June 13.
Texas Super Kings Announce Strong Squad For MLC 2025 Under Faf du Plessis
In 2024, Faf du Plessis lit up the tournament, finishing as the leading run-getter with a staggering 420 runs at a strike rate of 170. His partner-in-crime Devon Conway wasn’t far behind either, smashing 293 runs and making sure bowlers had no place to hide. Together, they were a nightmare upfront, accounting for over half of TSK’s runs. It was a dream combo: aggressive, composed, and consistent.
But while the top order carried the torch, the middle order barely got a look-in. That lack of game time came back to bite TSK when it mattered most. Big names like Marcus Stoinis flattered to deceive, managing just 83 runs in six innings, while Milind Kumar’s struggles continued with just 50 runs from seven knocks.
The bright spark? Young Joshua Tromp, who finally showed what he’s made of with a gutsy fifty in the high-pressure Qualifier 2 against a world-class pace attack.
This season marks the start of a new era with Dwayne Bravo finally hanging up his boots. Also missing is Aaron Hardie, who was quietly let go after a lukewarm campaign. TSK had their eyes on a blockbuster overseas duo: Mitchell Marsh and Daryl Mitchell but Marsh’s injury woes in the IPL forced the franchise to pivot to Akeal Hosein at the last minute.
A Fresh Bowling Core With Big Shoes To Fill
TSK’s bowling will have a slightly different look this time. South African left-armer Nandre Burger has joined the squad and is expected to share the new ball duties with Kiwi quick Adam Milne. Milne hasn’t been in the thick of things for New Zealand lately, but on his day, he is a genuine wicket-taker.
Zia-Ul-Haq and Mohammad Mohsin will again be key cogs in the bowling wheel. Noor Ahmad adds some mystery spin to the mix and with this attack, TSK won’t be short on firepower.
One of the biggest headaches for TSK has been the middle-order vacuum. That’s where Shubham Ranjane comes in. The seam-bowling all-rounder was a surprise release by Seattle Orcas and TSK moved swiftly to rope him in. He has got the tools to anchor or accelerate and may just be the glue TSK’s batting has been missing.
Then there’s Sai Teja Mukkamalla, USA’s rising star and a man with a T20I hundred to his name. Still uncapped in MLC, he has been warming the bench for two seasons. Maybe, just maybe, 2025 is the year he finally gets a shot.
Calvin Savage sticks around for his quickfire lower-order cameos, even though he may not bowl much. But with the top heavy and the lower middle promising, it’s all eyes on the middle to step up this time around.
Will TSK Win Their First MLC Title?
With Stephen Fleming calling the shots as coach and Faf still going strong at the top, TSK have all the ingredients for a deep run. But make no mistake, anything short of the title will feel like another what-could-have-been.