Veteran batter Faf du Plessis is among the 17 players released by Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 mini-auction, which is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi
on December 16.
He was signed by the Capitals at the 2025 mega-auction for his base price of INR 2 crore. However, he didn't have fruitful returns in IPL 2025, aggregating just 202 runs in nine matches at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 123.92.
He is set to go under the hammer in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Let's look at the teams that could rope him in.
Here are 3 teams that could start a bidding war for Faf du Plessis at IPL 2026 Auction
3. Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans have traded Sherfane Rutherford to the Mumbai Indians ahead of the auction. The West Indies batter was the Titans' No. 4 batter in IPL 2025. While Faf du Plessis has generally opened in the IPL in recent years, he can also bat at one down or even at No. 4.
Du Plessis has ample experience playing in the IPL. He has amassed 4773 runs from 154 matches at an average of 35.1 and a strike rate of 135.79. If the Titans acquire the services of du Plessis, they will have one of the most formidable top four batters in the competition, with captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler already in the line-up.
2. Chennai Super Kings
Faf du Plessis knows all the nitty-gritties of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) setup, having spent nine seasons with the Men in Yellow between 2011 and 2021, except for 2016 and 2017 when the franchise was banned. The right-handed batter played key roles in their title wins in 2018 and 2021.
CSK have released Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, who opened for them at different times last season. Faf du Plessis can slot in as the opener with Ruturaj Gaikwad. They have opened in the past for CSK. The South African batter has played the aggressor's role in the past, and that will give Gaikwad a chance to settle into his innings. Conversely, if du Plessis opens with Ayush Mhatre and Gaikwad bats at No. 3, it will also add a new dimension to the batting, giving the CSK captain a chance to bat deeper into the innings.
1. Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dropped a bombshell when they released talismanic all-rounder Andre Russell, who has played for them since IPL 2014. The three-time champions have the highest purse at the auction and can take almost every player they want on their side.
Faf du Plessis can be a fantastic addition to their top order. He will enjoy batting on the superb pitches that Eden Gardens have dished out in the past few seasons in the IPL. If the young and talented Angkrish Raghuvanshi opens the batting in IPL 2026, which seems very likely, he will benefit immensely if a veteran like du Plessis is there to guide him.
