On day one of 2022 IPL mega-auctions, the Royal Challengers Bangalore bought South Africa’s veteran batter Faf du Plessis for a price of 7 crores. He had set a base price of INR 2 Crore for himself. Du Plessis caused a bidding war between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and his previous team, Chennai Super Kings.
Former India opener turned commentator Aakash Chopra has opined on this purchase by the Bangalore franchise. According to Aakash, Du Plessis is likely to lead RCB since the franchise was so keen to buy him.
“100 percent. In my opinion, he is their captain. They will eventually announce it for sure. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have gone that hard for that long because there are other options available. If you are looking only at openers, there were options and there will be more in the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy. They did not go for someone like a Warner or Quinton de Kock. They knew, they had their eyes set on Faf that he is our captain. His record is phenomenal. What he brings is stability and consistency.”, Aakash said on Star Sports.
#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPLMegaAuction #IPL2022 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/U1rOkaTnAB
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 12, 2022
We’re very happy- Mike Hesson
Meanwhile, RCB’s Director of Cricket Mike Hesson remarked that the acquisition of Faf du Plessis was a good fit for the franchise and was also budget-friendly. Hesson also gave a hint about the batting position of Faf for the Bangalore team. “We’re very happy, pretty much bang on budget. He’s a proven IPL performer. Faf has done most of the work at the top of the order, we might not change that.”, Hesson said.
With 633 runs from 16 matches, Faf du Plessis had finished second in the race of Orange Cap during IPL 2021. In total, Faf has played 100 IPL matches, scoring 2,935 runs at a strike rate of 131.08, with 22 half-centuries. Faf is a reliable batter at the top of the order who is also a great fielder and will bring a wealth of experience to the RCB dressing room.
We will cherish every fafulous knock in #Yellove! 💛😔#SuperKingForever 🦁 pic.twitter.com/Qeuomut3ac
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 12, 2022
