Veteran South African batter Faf du Plessis has made a significant career decision, withdrawing from the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 auction to pursue a fresh challenge in the Pakistan Super League. The 41-year-old announced the move on November 29, 2025, marking the end of his remarkable 14-year association with the world’s most-watched T20 tournament.
After considering his schedule and career stage, du Plessis decided to focus on opportunities allowing better workload management, citing the need to be honest about what’s best for his body and game at this point.
Table of Contents
The Decision and Statement
Du Plessis announced on his social media handles that after 14 seasons in the IPL, he has decided not to enter the auction this year, describing it as a significant decision accompanied by gratitude when reflecting on his journey.
| Faf du Plessis Decision Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | November 29, 2025 |
| IPL Seasons Played | 14 (2012-2025) |
| New League | Pakistan Super League (PSL) |
| IPL 2026 Auction Date | December 16, 2025 |
| Auction Venue | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi |
| Last IPL Team | Delhi Capitals |
The league has been a massive part of his journey, with du Plessis having played with world-class teammates for amazing franchises in front of passionate fans. He expressed that India has given him friendships, lessons, and memories that shaped him both as a cricketer and as a person.
The former South African captain acknowledged every coach, teammate, support staff member, and fan who backed him throughout his IPL career, stating their support meant the world to him. Du Plessis emphasized that 14 years is a long time and he’s proud of what this chapter meant to him, while India holds a special place in his heart.
Why PSL Over IPL 2026
The decision comes as both the IPL 2026 and PSL schedules clash, forcing the veteran to choose between the two leagues. Du Plessis explained that the PSL timing works well for him as part of a broader effort to extend his playing career responsibly.
Du Plessis stated he has chosen to take on a new challenge by playing in the upcoming PSL season, describing it as an exciting opportunity to experience something new. He expressed enthusiasm about the chance to grow as a player and embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy.
The South African batsman showed excitement about experiencing cricket in a new environment. He mentioned looking forward to what lies ahead, appreciating the opportunity to experience new surroundings and competitive cricket while anticipating Pakistani hospitality.
This won’t be du Plessis’ first PSL experience. He has played in the PSL before, making six appearances between 2019 and 2021 for Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, giving him familiarity with the league format and playing conditions.
IPL 2025 Performance with Delhi Capitals
Faf du Plessis joined Delhi Capitals for the 2025 season after being purchased for Rs 2 crore at his base price. He had a challenging IPL 2025 campaign with Delhi Capitals, scoring 202 runs in nine matches at an average of 22.44, which represented a significant dip from his usual standards.
Du Plessis even captained the Delhi Capitals in two games when regular captain Axar Patel was injured, demonstrating his continued leadership value despite the underwhelming batting returns. However, the franchise released him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, making him ineligible for retention.
The disappointing season with Delhi Capitals stood in stark contrast to his stellar performances in previous years, particularly his exceptional 2023 campaign where he accumulated 730 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Illustrious IPL Career Statistics
Du Plessis played 154 matches in his IPL career, scoring 4,773 runs at an average of 35.10. His consistency throughout the tournament made him one of the most reliable overseas batters in IPL history.
| Faf du Plessis IPL Career | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 154 |
| Total Runs | 4,773 |
| Batting Average | 35.10 |
| Strike Rate | 135.79 |
| Highest Score | 96 |
| Half-Centuries | 39 |
| Centuries | 0 |
| Fours | 439 |
| Sixes | 174 |
Du Plessis exits the IPL as one of its most prolific overseas batters, ranking fourth on the all-time list. This remarkable achievement places him among the elite foreign players who have graced the tournament over its 17-year history.
Notably, du Plessis remains one of only five players to have scored 4,000 or more IPL runs without a century. The others in this unique group are MS Dhoni, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik, and Gautam Gambhir, showcasing his consistency despite never converting his starts into three-figure scores.
Championship Success with Chennai Super Kings
Du Plessis won two IPL finals, both with Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021, cementing his legacy as a championship-winning player. His performances in pressure situations defined his IPL career.
Du Plessis was the player of the match in the 2021 final for his 59-ball 86, which took CSK to 192 against Kolkata Knight Riders. That innings remains one of the finest individual performances in an IPL final, demonstrating his ability to deliver on cricket’s biggest stages.
The South African’s partnership with MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings became one of the IPL’s most successful player-captain combinations. His tenure with CSK from 2012 to 2021 (excluding the two years when CSK was suspended) established him as a franchise legend.
Journey Across IPL Franchises
Faf du Plessis represented four different franchises during his IPL tenure, experiencing various team cultures and playing environments.
| IPL Teams | Years | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 2012-2015, 2018-2021 | Two IPL titles (2018, 2021) |
| Rising Pune Supergiant | 2016-2017 | Consistent middle-order performances |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2022-2024 | Captain, 730 runs in 2023 |
| Delhi Capitals | 2025 | 202 runs in 9 matches |
Du Plessis was associated with CSK for seven seasons before following MS Dhoni to Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017. His loyalty to Dhoni’s leadership demonstrated the strong bond formed during their championship years together.
After CSK released him before the 2022 mega auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru brought him aboard for Rs 7 crore and handed him the captain’s armband for three seasons. The right-handed batter accumulated 730 runs for RCB in 2023, his most productive season in terms of run-scoring.
IPL 2026 Auction Landscape
The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena, where franchises will compete to complete their squads. This marks the third consecutive year the auction is being held overseas, following Dubai in 2024 and Jeddah for the 2025 mega auction.
With a maximum squad size of 25 players, franchises will compete to fill up a maximum of 77 available slots during the upcoming auction. Teams have a combined purse of Rs 237.55 crore to spend, setting up intense bidding wars for quality players.
Kolkata Knight Riders enter the auction with the biggest purse of Rs 64.3 crore to fill a maximum of 13 slots with six overseas spots available. Chennai Super Kings will have the second-biggest kitty of Rs 43.4 crore to fill a maximum of nine available slots.
The retention deadline passed on November 15, 2025, with all 10 franchises confirming their retained and released players. A total of 173 players were retained, including 49 overseas cricketers, leaving the auction pool with opportunities for both established stars and emerging talent.
PSL 2026 Expansion and Opportunity
Du Plessis will be joining the PSL as it expands from six to eight teams next season, offering more opportunities for international stars to participate in Pakistan’s premier T20 league. The expansion creates additional slots for quality overseas players.
The PSL 2026 is tentatively scheduled for the April-May window, while the 19th edition of IPL 2026 is likely to begin in early March next year. This scheduling overlap necessitated du Plessis’ choice between the two tournaments.
His previous PSL experience with Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators gives him valuable familiarity with playing conditions in Pakistan. The competitive nature of PSL cricket, combined with passionate local fans, presents an exciting challenge for the veteran campaigner.
Chennai Super Kings’ Tribute
Following du Plessis’ announcement, Chennai Super Kings paid tribute to their former champion on social media. The franchise posted an emotional message acknowledging the impact he left on their hearts, referring to him affectionately as “Guardian Faf” and using their signature “Yellove” hashtag.
The tribute reflected the deep connection between du Plessis and the CSK fanbase, built over years of memorable performances and two championship victories. His contributions to CSK’s success during their golden period remain cherished by the franchise and supporters.
Not a Permanent Goodbye
Du Plessis assured fans this isn’t goodbye, stating he will return and that India has a special place in his heart. The veteran left the door open for a potential IPL return in future seasons, depending on circumstances and his physical condition.
Du Plessis, who has 154 IPL appearances, did not rule out a return to the competition in the future. His statement suggests this decision is about managing his workload in 2026 rather than permanently retiring from the IPL.
At 41 years old, Faf du Plessis continues to demonstrate his value in T20 cricket globally. His decision to play PSL reflects a strategic approach to prolonging his career while maintaining high performance standards across different leagues worldwide.
Impact on Overseas Player Market
Du Plessis’ withdrawal from the IPL 2026 auction creates an opening for other overseas batters to fill the leadership and experience void he leaves behind. Franchises seeking reliable top-order batters with captaincy credentials will need to identify alternatives in the auction pool.
His decision also highlights the growing challenge franchises face in retaining aging overseas stars who must manage their workloads across multiple global T20 leagues. The clash between IPL and PSL schedules forces players to make difficult choices about tournament participation.
The veteran’s exit removes one of the most experienced international players from the auction, potentially driving up prices for remaining quality overseas batters. Teams will compete intensely for established performers who can provide both runs and leadership.
Legacy in Indian Cricket
Beyond statistics and championships, Faf du Plessis leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, consistency, and leadership in the IPL. His approach to batting—characterized by strong technique, smart shot selection, and ability to accelerate when needed—set standards for overseas batters.
His fielding prowess, particularly in the outfield, made him one of the most complete T20 cricketers in IPL history. The combination of batting skill and athletic fielding created tremendous value for every franchise he represented.
Du Plessis also mentored younger players throughout his IPL tenure, sharing insights from his international experience with emerging Indian cricketers. His professionalism and work ethic earned respect across all franchise dressing rooms he occupied.
Read More: IPL Trade Deals That Redefined Franchise Cricket: The Complete History
FAQs
Why did Faf du Plessis withdraw from IPL 2026?
Faf du Plessis withdrew from the IPL 2026 auction to play in the Pakistan Super League, citing better workload management and the need to focus on opportunities best suited for his body and game at age 41.
How many runs did Faf du Plessis score in his IPL career?
Faf du Plessis scored 4,773 runs in 154 IPL matches at an average of 35.10 and a strike rate of 135.79, ranking fourth among all-time overseas run-scorers in the tournament.
Which IPL teams did Faf du Plessis play for?
Faf du Plessis played for four IPL franchises: Chennai Super Kings (2012-2015, 2018-2021), Rising Pune Supergiant (2016-2017), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2022-2024), and Delhi Capitals (2025).
Has Faf du Plessis won any IPL titles?
Yes, Faf du Plessis won two IPL titles, both with Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021. He was the Player of the Match in the 2021 final, scoring 86 runs off 59 balls.
Will Faf du Plessis return to the IPL in the future?
Faf du Plessis has not ruled out a return to the IPL, stating that India has a special place in his heart and this is not a permanent goodbye, leaving the door open for future participation.
