End of an Era: Faf du Plessis Bids Adieu to IPL Auctions
In a significant move that marks the end of an era for the Indian Premier League, the seasoned South African batsman and former captain, Faf du Plessis, has officially declared that he will not be submitting his name for the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. The veteran cricketer, a mainstay of the tournament for over a decade, announced his decision on Sunday, 29th November, choosing instead to take his talents to the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
A Stellar IPL Journey: From CSK to RCB
Faf du Plessis first entered the IPL arena in 2011, but it was his move to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2012 that truly launched his legacy. He swiftly became an indispensable part of the franchise's core, celebrated for his unwavering consistency, exceptional fielding, and calm demeanor in high-stakes matches. Over seven seasons with CSK, he cemented his reputation as a clutch performer.
His most remarkable campaign came during CSK's triumphant 2021 season, where he amassed a staggering 633 runs, finishing a mere two runs behind the Orange Cap winner, Ruturaj Gaikwad. Following a two-year stint with Rising Pune Supergiant, du Plessis was released by CSK before the 2022 mega auction. This paved the way for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to acquire him and appoint him as captain for the 2022–24 seasons.
He excelled in his leadership role, with his 730-run effort in the 2023 season standing as one of the finest individual performances by an RCB skipper. His final IPL chapter in 2025 was with the Delhi Capitals, where he scored 202 runs in nine matches before an injury prematurely concluded his tournament.
A Legacy in Numbers and a New Chapter
Across 14 IPL seasons, du Plessis built a monumental record that few overseas players can rival. His career statistics are a testament to his quality and longevity:
- 4,773 runs in 154 matches
- An impressive average of 35.10
- A dynamic strike rate of 135.79
In his announcement, du Plessis expressed profound gratitude towards the franchises, teammates, and countless fans who shaped his unforgettable journey. He was quick to clarify, however, that this is not a final goodbye to India, a country he holds dear. His focus now shifts to the Pakistan Super League, where he has previously played for Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, embracing what he calls "A new country. A new environment. A new challenge."
