“Have to think really strongly around RCB’s leadership” – Mo Bobat explains decision to release Faf du Plessis ahead of IPL 2025 auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru director of cricket Mo Bobat has revealed that it was a tough decision to let go of their captain Faf du Plessis ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. RCB decided to retain Virat Kohli (21 crore), Rajat Patidar (11 crore), and Yash Dayal (5 crore).

Bobat said that the South African is at the fag end of his career and they need to think strongly around the RCB’s leadership. It has been also reported that Virat Kohli could take back the captaincy baton for the franchise after getting retained.

Meanwhile, Faf led RCB to the playoffs in 2022 and also the previous season but the team could not go all the way in both editions.

“The decision to not retain Faf is a tricky one because I have nothing but admiration for him as a bloke, as a cricketer, as a leader, and as a captain,” Bobat said in a social media post by RCB. “Again, I wouldn’t underestimate how big a role he’s played for RCB in the last few years and how much, if he isn’t with us, we’re going to be missing him. So that was a tough decision for us.” 

“Obviously, the way that these retention bands and purse are set out, it does make it difficult to get everything you want. Faf, I’m sure, will admit himself, is at the latter part of his career now. And obviously for Andy (Flower, head coach) and I, we have to think really strongly around RCB’s leadership moving forward,” he added.

On the other hand, RCB head coach Andy Flower reckons Faf was brilliant as a leader and he led the revival of the franchise despite a shaky start in the first half in IPL 2024.

“Last year, Faf’s captaincy and leadership – in what was a really tough season, particularly in the first half – was sensational,” Flower said (via The Indian Express). “He led the revival that took us into the finals (playoffs).”

IPL mega auction will take place in November.