Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Saturday named Faf du Plessis as their new captain. The South African opener will take the post which was left vacant by long-time skipper Virat Kohli after the conclusion of IPL 2021. (More Cricket News)
Notably, RCB had paid a sum of INR 7 crore on Day 1 of IPL auction 2022 to secure the services of du Plessis. The former South Africa skipper was a part of Chennai Super Kings team until last year. He had a fantastic IPL season in 2021, scoring 633 runs across 16 games at an average of 45.21.
After being named the captain of RCB, Faf du Plessis said: “The opportunity to be the captain of a franchise like RCB is massive and a role I was glad to accept. The work is just going to begin as we try to build off the success the team has enjoyed in previous years. I would like to thank RCB management and the coaching team for entrusting me with the role and I will do my best to ensure a successful season this time with the desired outcome.”
On the other hand, Virat Kohli had stepped down as the captain of RCB last year. He made the shocking announcement mid-way during IPL 2021. While revealing that he would leave the role by the end of the side’s campaign in the season, Kohli had asserted that he would continue playing for the franchise until he retires from IPL.
It is worth noting that RCB have never won an IPL title despite playing at the event since the inaugural edition in 2008 and appearing in a total of three finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016.
IPL 2022 season will kick off on March 26 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on last year runners-up Kolkata Knight Riders. The 15th edition of the marquee event will be held across four venues -- Wankhede Stadium and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and MCA International Stadium in Pune -- with the final slated to be played on May 29.
