• Faf to captain Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL

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    Former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis will succeed Virat Kohli as Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper.

    The franchise made the announcement on Saturday as it gears up to chase an elusive maiden IPL title.

    Du Plessis is an IPL veteran, making his debut for the Chennai Super Kings in 2012 and a star of the side’s most recent title last year.

    He was subject to a fierce bidding war in last month’s player auction and eventually signed to Bangalore for more than $900,000.

    “Faf was among our top priority at the IPL auctions,” said team chairman Prathmesh Mishra in a statement announcing the 37-year-old’s captaincy. “Not only does he bring his great leadership skills to the team but he is a proven campaigner in the IPL.”

    The batsman is a veteran of all three formats and comes fresh from a stint with Bangladesh Premier League winners Comilla Victorians.

    He retired from Test cricket in February 2021 to concentrate on preparations for that year’s T20 World Cup but was not selected.

    Days before South Africa’s ill-fated campaign in that tournament began, he made 86 off 59 balls to play a key role in Chennai’s fourth IPL win.

    Du Plessis said he was “glad to accept” his new role at Bangalore, who have been tournament runners-up three times.

    “The work is just going to begin as we try to build off the success the team has enjoyed in previous years,” he said. “I will do my best to ensure a successful season this time.”

    His predecessor Kohli – Bangalore’s longest-serving captain, who since September has relinquished the India helm for all three formats – will stay with the side for the coming season, which begins on 26 March.

    “I couldn’t be happier to pass on the baton to a good friend, someone I’ve known over the years,” Kohli said. “He’s one of the few guys I’ve gotten to know a little bit more apart from the cricket. My partnership with Faf is going to be exciting.”

    © Agence France-Presse

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    Simon Borchardt