Faf du Plessis opts out of IPL 2026 auction

Faf du Plessis' long association with the IPL has drawn to a close after the 41-year-old opted to not enter the upcoming IPL auction. The South African veteran announced on social media on Saturday (November 29) that he will not be playing the IPL for the first time in 14 years. Instead, he will be embarking on a new journey by playing in PSL 2026.

Du Plessis made his IPL bow in 2012 for Chennai Super Kings, scoring 398 runs in his debut season. It remained his most productive season until the 2020 edition where he surpassed 400 runs for the first time. Du Plessis had a stellar career with CSK for many years that saw him win the title with them in 2018 and 2021.

From 2020-2024, du Plessis went through his most productive phase as a batter in the IPL. He finished just two runs short of his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad's tally for most runs in the 2021 edition and then finished second-best again in the 2023 edition, this time for his new franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru whom he was captaining. Bought by Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2025 edition, du Plessis had a moderate campaign where he scored just 202 runs at an average of 22.44.

"After 14 seasons in the IPL, I've decided not to put my name into the auction this year," du Plessis wrote in a social media post. "It's a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back. This league has been a massive part of my journey. I've been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else.

"Fourteen years is a long time, and I'm proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn't a goodbye - you'll see me again."

Having already played for Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi previously, du Plessis confirmed that he will be a part of the upcoming edition. "This year, I've chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season," he wrote. "It's an exciting step for me - a chance to experience something new, to grow it as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy."