In a major announcement, former South African captain and star batter Faf du Plessis has brought his successful 14-year association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) to a close.
Faf du Plessis ends illustrious 14-year IPL journey
Du Plessis, who recently featured for the Delhi Capitals in the 2025 season, chose not to enter his name in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction, instead confirming his intention to pursue a new challenge in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His decision, made public on November 30, marks a significant shift in the T20 franchise landscape. In a heartfelt social media post, the 41-year-old expressed immense gratitude to the league, fans, teammates, and coaches, confirming that while his time as an IPL player is over, India will always hold a special place in his heart, leaving the door open for a non-playing return in the future.
Du Plessis’ IPL franchise journey defined by consistency and leadership
Faf du Plessis retires as one of the IPL’s most consistent and impactful overseas batsmen, having played 154 matches and amassed an impressive 4,773 runs at a strong average of 35.10 and a strike rate of 135.79, including 39 half-centuries and a high score of 96. His illustrious career saw him represent four major IPL franchises, starting with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from 2012 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2021, where he won two IPL titles (2018 and 2021) and was the Player of the Match in the 2021 final for his pivotal 86 off 59 balls.
Following a stint with Rising Pune Supergiant (2016–2017), he transitioned into a leadership role as captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2022 to 2024, thriving in the added responsibility and registering a magnificent 730 runs in the 2023 season. His final IPL season was with the Delhi Capitals in 2025, where he scored 202 runs in nine matches, capping a career defined by high-class fielding, tactical acumen, and unwavering consistency at the top of the order.
| Franchise | Years Represented | Key Contributions |
| Chennai Super Kings | 2012–2015, 2018-2021 | Won two IPL titles, integral part of the title-winning opening pair. |
| Rising Pune Supergiant | 2016–2017 | Brought valuable experience to the new side. |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2022–2024 | Captained the side, enjoying his most prolific season (730 runs) in 2023. |
| Delhi Capitals | 2025 | Concluded his playing career with the franchise. |
Faf du Plessis’ IPL salary since debut
Du Plessis’s salary trajectory in the IPL reflects his gradual increase in market value, culminating in his captaincy stint at RCB which led to his highest earnings, a stark rise from his initial price at CSK.
| Year | Salary | Franchise |
| 2012 | ₹ 6,032,400 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2014–2015 | ₹ 47,500,000 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2016 | ₹ 47,500,000 | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| 2018–2021 | ₹ 16,000,000 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2022–2024 | ₹ 70,000,000 | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| 2025 | ₹ 20,000,000 | Delhi Capitals |
