Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have appointed former South African captain Faf du Plessis as their new captain ahead of IPL 2022. The position was vacant after Virat Kohli had relinquished his leadership duties after IPL 2021.
The veteran batsman, who represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last year, was picked up by RCB for INR7 crore at the IPL mega auction last month. He was looked at as a responsible opener and now Faf du Plessis has been bestowed with leadership duties.
The appointment puts to rest speculations that Virat Kohli, who has stepped down as Indian captain across all three formats, will return to lead. Meanwhile, there were also speculations that Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik might get the responsibility, but Proteas international has left everyone behind in the race.
The Leader of the Pride is here!
Captain of RCB, @faf1307! 🔥#PlayBold #RCBCaptain #RCBUnbox #ForOur12thMan #UnboxTheBold pic.twitter.com/UfmrHBrZcb
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 12, 2022
Faf du Plessis has captained South Africa in 115 internationals out of which the country emerged victorious 81 times. The Proteas won 25 of the 40 T20Is played under du Plessis. In 2020 February, du Plessis gave up South Africa’s captaincy across formats.
However, he will bring in tons of experience as Royal Challengers Bangalore eye their maiden IPL title in the upcoming season. Faf du Plessis is also a livewire with the bat despite age catching up. He finished with 633 runs last year, just two behind the Orange Cap winner Ruturaj Gaikwad. Du Plessis has scored in excess of 1000 runs in the last two seasons combined in the IPL.
“Happy to pass on the baton” – Virat Kohli’s special message for Faf du Plessis
Former RCB captain Virat Kohli left a special message for the newly-appointed Faf du Plessis, as he passed on the baton ahead of the 15th edition of the tournament.
“Few updates for you guys. Our season is going to start pretty soon something which I am excited for. As I said, renewed energy, really looking forward to this season. But the more important news, Faf is going to be our new captain. And I couldn’t be more happier to pass on the baton to a good friend, whom I’ve known very well over the years. We have been in touch for many years now and he is one of the few guys whom I’ve got to know outside of cricket.” he said.
“Happy to pass on the baton to Faf! Excited to partner with him and play under him” – A message from @imVkohli for our new captain @faf1307. 🤩#PlayBold #RCBUnbox #UnboxTheBold #ForOur12thMan #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/lHMClDAZox
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 12, 2022
RCB will begin their IPL 2022 campaign against Punjab Kings on March 27 at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
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