Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made some notable decisions in their retention list, but one choice that raised eyebrows was the exclusion of their skipper, Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis has been a standout player for RCB over the past three seasons, not only leading the team but also being their top run-scorer. In just three years, he became RCB’s fourth-highest run-getter in IPL history, securing his place as one of their most influential players.
Despite his contributions, RCB opted not to retain the 40-year-old for the upcoming season, though they still have the option to bring him back through the Right to Match (RTM) card. Du Plessis’ leadership, which helped RCB reach the playoffs twice in three seasons, had previously overshadowed even Virat Kohli in his first year with the team. His age worked against him in the retention process, as franchises typically aim to build teams for the long term, making it less feasible to retain du Plessis at a high price.
Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Du Plessis expressed uncertainty about his future with the franchise but remained hopeful. “You never know with auctions. I’ve got no idea what’s going to happen, so I’ll be looking forward to it,” he told ANI.
RCB retained three players for the upcoming season: Virat Kohli (INR 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore), and uncapped player Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore). This gives them a purse of INR 83 crore, which they will look to use to strengthen their squad, potentially targeting a new captain if du Plessis is not brought back.
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