Faf du Plessis said it was a good thing for Chennai Super Kings that they did not finish in the top-two after the league stage.

The failure to do so meant Chennai had to play the tricky Eliminator, and they did very well to beat defending champions Mumbai by seven wickets to advance to the second Eliminator against Punjab.

After playing a key role in Chennai’s win with a quick-fire 35 at thetop of the innings, Du Plessis was asked if the team was disappointed to finish third in the group stage.

“We could say that we were a bit unlucky because we played good cricket consistently for the best part of the tournament and only quite dropped the pace in those three late games we lost,” said the South African T20 captain.

“But having said that, I was involved with the team last year when our bags were packed and we were all ready to go home. We had threemore games in the group stage and they all went our way and we made the final. So, it works both ways.

“At this stage, it is good that we know we have to win the remaining two games to take the cup home and also the fact that there’s hardly any rest now. That helps maintain the rhythm.”

Du Plessis also came out in support of Brendon McCullum, whose opening slot was taken by the South African in the last three matches.

The Kiwi star came out at No4 lastnight, and scored just 14 runs.

On the change of batting order, du Plessis said: “There was a notion of Brendon being away for two games and myself and Dr Smith being really good up front in that period. But the theory behind this move is for him to come in at No4 and still be very aggressive.

“He does not need to change his game just because his batting position has changed. We want each batsman to come in and take the attack to the opposition."