Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has officially withdrawn from the IPL 2026 auction, choosing to play in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead. The decision marks a significant shift for a player who has been one of the IPL’s most consistent overseas performers across 14 seasons.
In a heartfelt message to fans, du Plessis said the IPL had shaped him “as a cricketer and as a person,” while also confirming that he was ready to explore a new challenge. His announcement brings to a close an IPL chapter spanning 154 matches, two titles with CSK, and a reputation as one of the most reliable overseas openers in the league, while only the Mumbai Indians look settled.
Du Plessis Reflects on 14 Years of IPL: “Not Goodbye, Just a New Challenge”
Du Plessis shared his gratitude in a detailed social media post, calling the IPL “a massive part” of his cricketing life. He thanked his teammates, franchises, and the passionate Indian fan base, admitting that the decision took time and reflection like Delhi Capitals.
Why Faf Chose PSL Over IPL This Year?
-
Wants a fresh environment
-
PSL schedule overlaps with the IPL, forcing a choice
-
Seeks new experiences after 14 IPL seasons
-
Recently released by the Delhi Capitals, making auction dynamics uncertain
Du Plessis added that this isn’t a farewell. “India has a special place in my heart… this isn’t goodbye,” he wrote, hinting at a possible return to the league for CSK.
Faf’s IPL Journey: Titles, Records, and Legacy
Across his IPL career, du Plessis became the fourth-highest run-scorer among overseas players, delivering key seasons for Chennai Super Kings and becoming one of MS Dhoni’s most trusted performers.
Faf du Plessis — IPL Career Highlights
-
154 IPL matches
-
2593+ runs
-
Two IPL titles with CSK
-
Played for CSK, RCB, DC, Rising Pune Supergiants
-
Known for elite fielding and powerplay dominance
In IPL 2025, he scored 202 runs in nine games for Delhi Capitals and even captained the team during Axar Patel’s injury. Despite this, DC released him before the 2026 auction, perhaps influencing his decision to explore PSL opportunities.
Andre Russell Announces Retirement from IPL, Takes Over as KKR’s “Power Coach”
In another major IPL storyline, Andre Russell, one of the greatest T20 all-rounders in history, has retired from IPL cricket. The 37-year-old confirmed that he will continue playing in other global leagues but will now join Kolkata Knight Riders’ support staff as the franchise’s new power coach.
For KKR fans, it marks the end of an era. Russell’s explosive hitting, game-changing spells, and match-winning aura made him a KKR legend — and one of the most feared IPL players ever.
Russell on Retirement: “I Want to Leave a Legacy, Not Fade Out”
Russell said the decision was emotional and came after many conversations with KKR CEO Venky Mysore and team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. He explained that he wanted to step away “while fans still felt he had more to offer.”
Russell’s Thoughts on Joining the KKR Staff
-
Called the power coach title “perfect” for his personality
-
Will guide players across batting, bowling, and athletic energy
-
Stays involved with the KKR family across their global franchise network
He also admitted he spent many nights thinking about retirement and visualizing himself in different jerseys before realizing that KKR was home.
Russell’s IPL Legacy: One of the Greatest to Ever Play the League
Russell’s IPL numbers speak for themselves. From power-hitting carnage to crucial death-overs spells, he leaves behind a record very few can match.
Andre Russell — IPL Career Milestones
-
2593 runs at a strike rate of 174.96
-
220+ sixes, among the highest in IPL history
-
122 wickets with match-winning spells
-
16 Player-of-the-Match awards for KKR (second only to Narine)
-
Two IPL titles: 2014 and 2024
-
One of only two players with 2000+ runs and 100+ wickets (other: Jadeja)
A true T20 giant, Russell redefined the role of an allrounder in franchise cricket.
How Russell’s Retirement Boosts KKR’s IPL 2026 Auction Purse?
KKR had considered releasing Russell before the 2025 mega auction, but postponed the decision. This time, the franchise let him go and added ₹18 crore to their purse.
KKR’s IPL 2026 Auction Position
-
Purse available: ₹64.3 crore (highest among all teams)
-
Players retained: 12
-
Slots to fill: 13
-
Major rebuild phase incoming
With Russell retiring and players like Venkatesh Iyer, Nortje, Quinton de Kock, and Gurbaz released, KKR will aggressively hunt for:
-
A power-hitting allrounder (Cameron Green expected target)
-
Multiple overseas pacers
-
A wicketkeeper batter
-
A middle-order stabilizer
Russell’s exit may, ironically, allow KKR to build a stronger core for 2026.
Du Plessis Leaves, Russell Transitions — What It Means for IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 auction now features two major voids:
-
A veteran opener and leader (du Plessis)
-
A legendary finisher and impact all-rounder (Russell)
This reshapes the overseas player landscape significantly. Teams will aggressively pursue:
-
Allrounders
-
Power hitters
-
Experienced overseas batters
-
Strike bowlers
It also marks a generational shift, with younger talents like Fraser-McGurk, Rachin Ravindra, and Gerald Coetzee now stepping into the spotlight like RCB in 2025.
A Transitional Season for IPL as Two Legends Step into New Chapters
The back-to-back announcements from du Plessis and Russell highlight a transitional period for the IPL. Both players dominated different eras — du Plessis with consistency and leadership, Russell with unmatched explosiveness — and their exits add emotional weight to IPL 2026.
While fans will miss seeing them on the field, their influence continues:
-
Du Plessis, exploring new challenges, keeps his form alive globally
-
Russell’s joining the KKR staff ensures his legacy stays within the franchise
The IPL moves forward, but the impact of these two icons will echo long into future seasons.
