Reports: Faf du Plessis set to take over as RCB skipper

Onecricket

Former South African skipper Faf du Plessis is all set to join the likes of Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Kevin Pietersen, Daniel Vettori and Virat Kohli as the new captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.


According to media reports, the Bangalore franchise is all set to announce Du Plessis as their new skipper.


The reports suggest that Glenn Maxwell missing the first few games of the upcoming IPL season due to impending marriage has cleared the road for du Plessis as far as captaincy is concerned.


"Glenn Maxwell and Faf were the top two preferred options on which franchise was brainstorming over. But, as Maxwell is set to miss out on the first few matches due to his commitments with the national team, the franchise has decided to go on with Faf," said a source close to RCB's top-brass as quoted by Sports Tiger. 

The 37-year old, who has piled up 2935 runs in the cash-rich league, was picked by RCB at a whopping sum of INR 7 crores. The veteran cricketer was a part of the Chennai Super Kings since 2012 and was one of the major reasons why the Dhoni-led unit clinched their fourth title.


The opener smashed a match-winning 59-ball 86 in the final against the Kolkata Knight Riders, capping off a season that saw him accumulate 633 runs - second-most in the season behind his opening partner, Ruturaj Gaikwad.


Following his acquisition, RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar had given enough hints about the franchise looking to make the right-handed Proteas batter as their new skipper.


The addition of Faf du Plessis adds real strength to the batting department. He is a proven performer, a seasoned campaigner and has delivered at the highest levels," Bangar had said during a press release.


"We were looking at someone who can solidify our top order and his inclusion into the team solves just that, with diverse experience of playing across formats gives us options, not only in terms of opening the batting line but also with leadership skills," he added.


Du Plessis is touted to open the batting with former skipper Virat Kohli, and it will be interesting to see how he goes about his business while leading a side he's never been a part of prior to this season.

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