South African veteran, Faf du Plessis, has been appointed captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the 15^th edition of the Indian Premier League. 

Du Plessis was one of South Africa’s most successful captains, and has also had considerable success in leading franchise teams across the world. Most notably, the Paarl Rocks won the Mzansi Super League in 2019 under du Plessis’ leadership. Recently, du Plessis was captain of the Saint Lucia Kings, who were runners up in the 2021 edition of the Caribbean Premier League. 

At the Royal Challengers Bangalore, du Plessis will lead some of the world’s best cricketers in Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Mohammad Siraj.

He will succeed Kohli, who was captain of the franchise since 2013.Kohli said, “Faf is going to be the captain of RCB. I couldn’t be happier to pass on the baton to a good friend, someone that I’ve known well over the years.

“We’ve been in touch for many years now and he’s one of the few guys I’ve got to know apart from cricket and we get along very well. Absolutely excited for him to lead RCB and to play under him.” 

Another RCB stalwart, AB de Villiers, who recently quit all forms of cricket said, “A new season brings new challenges and also new opportunities. This season there are also a few exciting changes. Changes that we can all look forward to. The biggest change of them all – our new captain – and who better than my good friend, Faf du Plessis.

“The announcement comes as no surprise to me after RCB picked up Faf at the auction. He’s an amazing leader and the perfect man for the job. He has a fantastic tactical mind and Faf will have great support around him. I have no doubt that he will do a wonderful job for the RCB family.” 

The IPL begins on the 26^th of March. RCB’s first game will be against the Punjab Kings on the 27^th of March.