As the IPL 2025 retention deadline approaches, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faces a big decision: will they keep Faf du Plessis? The final decision could be heavily influenced by Faf’s performance in the upcoming CPL 2024 final, where he is set to captain the St. Lucia Kings. If Faf manages to win his first CPL title as a captain, it could boost his chances of staying with RCB for another season. Let’s take a closer look at what’s at stake.
St. Lucia Kings’ Quest for Their First CPL Title Under Faf’s Leadership
St. Lucia Kings, captained by Faf du Plessis, are making their third appearance in a CPL final. However, this is the first time Faf will lead the side in the tournament’s grand finale. Guyana Amazon Warriors, the defending champions, are the Kings’ opponents. Faf will need to pull off a historic win to claim his first CPL title as captain. Winning this match could send a strong message to RCB management ahead of the IPL 2025 retention window.
Why This CPL Final Matters for Faf’s RCB Future
RCB has a lot to consider when deciding whether or not to retain Faf du Plessis. His leadership skills are certainly one reason, but his performance as a batsman is just as important. At 40 years old, Faf has proven he still has plenty to offer. He has been in impressive form during CPL 2024, scoring 384 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 148.83.
With such consistent performances, Faf’s potential IPL contribution looks promising. For the past three seasons, he has scored over 400 runs each time for RCB, proving to be a reliable performer on the IPL stage. A successful CPL 2024 campaign could solidify his position as a key player for RCB, both as a batsman and a leader.
What Could Make RCB Retain Faf du Plessis?
It’s not just about his performance in CPL; Faf has a long history of consistent play for RCB. For three consecutive IPL seasons, he has scored over 400 runs and shown a solid presence at the top of the order. Additionally, his leadership skills and experience have made him a strong contender for retention.
Faf’s close association with players like AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli, both iconic figures in RCB’s history, also adds to his case. Even AB de Villiers has recently supported the idea of Faf continuing with the RCB squad. If Faf leads St. Lucia Kings to victory in the CPL final, it will add another layer of confidence in his ability to lead and perform under pressure.
Strong Batting and Leadership Could Tip the Scales
While leadership is crucial, Faf du Plessis’ batting remains the key. His current form in CPL, combined with his IPL track record, may push RCB towards retaining him for IPL 2025. The franchise needs both a strong captain and a reliable batsman, and Faf ticks both boxes. If he manages to win the CPL title under his captaincy, it could be the final factor that tips the scales in his favor.
