Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s (RCB) playoff exit in IPL 2024 has reignited speculations about their captaincy. Faf du Plessis, who took the reins from Virat Kohli in 2022, might be nearing the end of his RCB leadership stint.
Faf du Plessis tenure with RCB: Mixed Bag
While Faf du Plessis has been a valuable asset with the bat, his captaincy has been under scrutiny. In his first season as skipper (IPL 2022), RCB reached the third spot but fell short in the playoffs. While Faf was the team’s highest run-scorer that year, their performance in IPL 2023 was less impressive, finishing sixth on the points table.
But in IPL 2024 after a dismal start to the campaign, RCB registered six consecutive wins to make it to playoff where they were eliminated by Rajasthan Royals.
Faf du Plessis: Age a factor?
Faf du Plessis’s age (39) is another very major point of consideration. With retirement a possibility for SA star in T20, RCB might be looking for a long-term captaincy solution.
Potential replacements for Faf du Plessis
With Faf du Plessis potentially out of the picture, several names are emerging as contenders for the RCB captaincy role in IPL 2025.
- Ben Stokes: The England Test captain, despite a quiet 2023 IPL season, boasts a decent overall record with 935 runs and 28 wickets in 45 matches. His experience and leadership qualities make him a strong candidate.
- KL Rahul: If Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) decide to release KL Rahul. Then RCB will for sure look to grab the services of Karnataka-born superstar, there is no doubt about that. This could be mark the return of KL Rahul in the Bengaluru-based franchise.
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Revamp beyond captaincy for Faf du Plessis
While captaincy is a crucial aspect, RCB may need a more holistic approach. Their expensive signing of Cameron Green hasn’t yielded the desired results, and their bowling department remains a concern.
Road Ahead for RCB ahead of IPL 2025
RCB faces a significant off-season. They need to address not just the captaincy issue but also their overall team composition, particularly their bowling attack. The upcoming auction will be a crucial test for RCB as they strive to build a team capable of finally clinching that elusive IPL trophy.
