Faf du Plessis has officially ended his long and memorable journey in the Indian Premier League after choosing not to register for the upcoming auction. The 41-year-old South African star shared the news on social media, confirming that the 2026 season will mark his shift from the IPL to a fresh challenge in the Pakistan Super League.
His decision brings to a close a 14-season association with one of the world’s most competitive cricket leagues, where he established himself as a dependable and stylish top-order batter. Reflecting on his time in India, he expressed deep gratitude to the teams and fans who supported him throughout this remarkable journey, calling his IPL stint a defining chapter of his career.
Fourteen Years Of IPL Excellence
Du Plessis started his IPL career in 2012 with Chennai Super Kings and immediately made a mark by scoring 398 runs in his debut season. This remained his best for years until 2020, when he crossed the 400-run milestone for the first time. His association with CSK became one of the highlights of his career, and he contributed significantly to their title wins in 2018 and 2021.
Between 2020 and 2024, he enjoyed his most prolific period in the league, consistently ranking among the top run-getters. In 2021, he fell just two runs short of Ruturaj Gaikwad in the race for the Orange Cap. After moving to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he again finished as the second-highest run-scorer in 2023 while leading the side.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Delhi Capitals bought him, but his campaign that year was a modest one, yielding 202 runs at an average of 22.44. Despite the ups and downs, du Plessis remained a respected figure known for his commitment, leadership, and professionalism. Looking back on this long association, he wrote, “After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back.”
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A Fresh Adventure In The PSL
As he steps away from the IPL, du Plessis is preparing to begin a new phase of his T20 career. Having previously represented Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi, he confirmed that he will return to the PSL in 2026. Calling it a chance for growth and reinvention, he wrote, “This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season. It’s an exciting step for me – a chance to experience something new, to grow as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t a goodbye – you’ll see me again.”
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