All eras in the IPL have their final exits; however, some will be felt more than others as a book closes. The news that Faf du Plessis would not take part in the IPL 2026 auction is one such punch to the stomach of cricket fans. Fourteen consecutive years in the IPL, two IPL titles, over 4000 runs, and the respect as one of the most consistent and valuable match-winning players in the IPL will all be remembered as having ended in less than one hundred words via social media. In addition to the fact that he was at his best during the IPL when he turned 35 (the age when many players go into the commentary booth or take up a coaching role), he reinvented himself as a big-hitting, high-tempo captain who came close to taking the Orange Cap twice.
A Legacy Built Across Two Franchises
In essence, Faf Du Plessis’ IPL experience can be described as being split into “two” cities in particular, Chennai and Bangalore. For CSK, he was an overseas opening batsman, but to a far greater extent than this, he was a cultural match for the team; the ideal combination of calmness and competitive drive that Dhoni requires from all his leaders. With 398 runs in his first year with CSK (2010), it was clear there would be a lot of value over many years, but from 2018 through 2021, he became vital to the side. He capped off his 2018 season by leading CSK to victory in the finals, and followed that up by coming close to the Orange Cap in 2021. The fan base is still debating whether or not his performances were “underrated greatness.”
As far as the RCB chapter went, Du Plessis did not simply bat; he captained. As a result of finishing in second place on the run charts in 2023, Du Plessis proved that the franchise move did not reduce his ability or ambition. Few 38+ year-old players have dominated an IPL season with such consistency and fluency. Very few.
The Stark Dip That Signaled the End
Even the most hardened sportsmen experience an inevitable decline at some point, and for Faf, this time came in 2025 he scored 202 runs at 22.44 for Delhi Capitals. He wasn’t bad by any means, but it certainly wasn’t Faf-like. It was apparent that he had lost much of his ability to set the run rate as he had done in the past. It was a sign that the relentless pace of the IPL’s grueling schedules, constant travel, pressure, and sheer intensity were likely too much for a 41-year-old athlete to continue.
PSL’s Pull: New League, New Identity
While Faf’s move to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) could be seen as a “retirement drift”, this is really a purposeful transition of careers. As an established player with experience playing for both Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, Faf has an understanding of how the PSL works. Also, unlike the Indian Premier League (IPL), the PSL does not offer Faf the opportunity to compete with others for overseas spots; rather, the PSL will give him the runway to continue being a high-profile player in the league.
However, there is much to be said for the fact that the PSL’s recent strategic change an emphasis on youth batmen, senior foreign players as leaders, and fast bowling matches, fits so well with all that Faf still brings to the table: his wealth of experience, adaptability, and tactical insight. The fresh chapter is part of the appeal, and Faf has always had a love affair with the next chapter.
Faf du Plessis has put an end to his IPL experience; however, he is not disappearing, he is choosing how he would like his final cricketing art piece to be. He still holds the same status of an IPL legacy as a two-franchise cult hero, as a clutch player, and as a late-career sparkplug that broke down the barriers for run scoring at age 40 and beyond.
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