In an emotional farewell, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the franchise and its fans after being released for the IPL 2025 season. Du Plessis, who led RCB for three seasons, was not retained by the team and was subsequently picked up by Delhi Capitals (DC) for his base price of ₹2 crore during the auction held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A journey filled with memories for Faf du Plessis
Taking to social media, du Plessis reflected on his time with RCB, stating, “As my chapter closes with RCB, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible journey this has been. When I joined three years ago, I had no idea how this journey would unfold. But I fell in love with the city of Bengaluru and the amazing people of RCB.”
He added: “This place and its people have become a part of who I am, and I’ll carry these memories and the connections I’ve buit with me forever. Thank you for making these three years so special.” His words resonated deeply with fans who appreciated his contributions to the team.
Du Plessis joined RCB in 2022, taking over captaincy from Virat Kohli. Under his leadership, the team reached the playoffs twice and showcased a competitive spirit that endeared him to supporters. He amassed over 700 runs in the 2023 season alone, setting a record for most runs in an IPL season for RCB. His consistent performances continued into the 2024 season, where he scored 438 runs, further solidifying his status as a key player.
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The impact of Chinnaswamy Stadium on Du Plessis
In his farewell note, du Plessis highlighted his experiences at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, describing it as “one of the most electric experiences of my career.” He praised the energy and passion of RCB fans, stating that every match felt magical due to their unwavering support.
“Playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been one of the most electric experiences of my career. The energy, the passion, and the support from the fans make it truly one of a kind. Every time I stepped onto that field, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical,” he added further.
Du Plessis’s departure marks a significant change for RCB as they reconstructed their squad for the IPL 2025 season. The franchise did not exercise their Right to Match (RTM) option for him during the auction, leading to speculation about their strategic direction moving forward.