The former Proteas skipper Faf Du Plessis had a glorious IPL 2021. He was the second highest run getter in the league with 633 runs in 14 games. He scored 6 half centuries at an average of 45.21 but missed out on the orange cap by a run.
The four-time champions Chennai Super Kings have parted their ways with Faf and have gone for Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali ahead of the mega auctions.
Here’s a list of five teams that can target Du Plessis in the mega auctions:
1) Chennai Super Kings
After letting go their star opener Faf Du Plessis, the four-time champions might be looking to acquire his services in the mega auctions. CSK’s opening duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf Du Plessis has done wonders in the past two seasons and the Super Kings might be looking to get that back.
Du Plessis missed out on the orange cap last season by just one run. His CSK teammate Ruturaj Gaikwad received the orange cap. The former South African skipper scored 633 runs at an average of 45.21.
2) Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Bangalore based franchise is another team who might break the bank to buy Du Plessis in the auctions. RCB have released Devdutt Padikkal and are in search of an opener who can pair up with Virat Kohli. There’s no better candidate in the league other than the former Proteas skipper.
The 37-year-old has a vast experience of the IPL and might be the perfect pick for RCB. Besides, Du Plessis who has led his national side previously can also lead RCB in the IPL and lead them to their maiden title.
3) Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul was released ahead of the mega auctions as the Indian cricketer asked the franchise to do so. KL has made it clear that he does not see his future with the Kings.
Therefore, Punjab Kings are in search of a skipper and an opener. Faf can fill up Rahul’s place in the squad with his hard-hitting skills.
4) Mumbai Indians
The five-time champions have released Quinton De Kock ahead of the mega auctions. If reports are to be believed, MI are not willing to go for the 29-year-old in the auctions.
MI are in search of an opener with some power hitting skills who can pair up with Rohit Sharma.
The former Proteas skipper might be the one to replace De Kock. The 37-year-old had a wonderful IPL 2021 season as he emerged as the second highest run getter in the league. He smashed 6 half centuries in 14 games.
5) Sun Risers Hyderabad
SRH did not retain David Warner after removing him as the skipper of the team midway through the season in 2021. After a few games, Warner decided to not continue as a player for SRH and made it clear in his official social media handle.
SRH have not retained any of their openers like Jason Roy, Warner etc. Therefore, they might be in need of an aggressive abroad opener like Faf Du Plessis.