IPL 2025: 3 Reasons Why RCB Released Faf Du Plessis

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Faf du Plessis playing for RCB [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]Faf du Plessis playing for RCB [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

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As the IPL franchises released their retention lists for the next edition, fans were surprised by RCB’s move to release Faf du Plessis. Notably, ahead of IPL 2022, the franchise purchased the South African star in the auction and handed over the captaincy to him as Virat Kohli stepped down from the role. 

In the last three editions, Faf du Plessis has proven himself an able leader of the team. Even though their wait for the title has stretched to 17 years, they made it to the playoffs twice in the last three seasons. It has been one of the successful spells for the franchise. Besides, the dramatic turnaround scripted by RCB during IPL 2024 speaks volumes about the leadership abilities of Faf du Plessis. However, he was not retained by the Royal Challengers. 

Before moving on further, let us look at Faf du Plessis’s numbers for RCB as a batter - 

Faf du Plessis’s RCB Career

Matches
Runs
Avg
Strike Rate
451,636338.05146.99

Age

As far as cricketing skills are concerned, at the age of 40, Faf du Plessis is well past his prime. Retaining him for a three-year cycle could have resulted in him being carried around by the team in the last edition. Instead, RCB invested in a youngster like Rajat Patidar. This indicates that the management is planning for the long term and looking to build a core that will serve for more than a couple of years.

Cost Efficiency

If the Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained Faf du Plessis, they would have to spend at least INR 11 Cr for him. Retaining a 40-year-old player, despite him being someone of du Plessis’s level and class, would have been a depreciating investment. In fact, releasing him gives RCB the option to look for a young overseas opener to strengthen their future core. Also, the option to buy Faf back at a much lower price than INR 11Cr is open for them.

Putting out a statement

RCB, despite having a huge following, has been known to pull off quirky auction moves, costing them their campaigns in most cases. They have built an ill reputation for going after big names or players with reputations. The move of releasing Faf du Plessis is a message sent out by the management that they are finally thinking tactically and are actually looking to build a team that has good chemistry and composition rather than loading the squad with big names. 

Conclusion

Faf du Plessis has been a brilliant servant for RCB over the past three seasons. However, with a mega auction ahead of the next season, each team will look to solidify their core and build a team that will serve them for more than the next three years. Keeping these things in mind, deducing a huge chunk of your auction purse on a 40-year-old player does not seem like a great move. Hence, the decision by RCB to release Faf du Plessis looks like a well-thought-out plan.