New Delhi, November 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former South African cricketer and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis has spoken about his experience of leading the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the support he received from Virat Kohli.
Du Plessis joined RCB ahead of the 2022 IPL season and was appointed captain after Kohli stepped down from the role following the 2021 season to focus on his batting and manage his workload.
Du Plessis said he initially received the captaincy offer from then RCB director of cricket Mike Hesson. Any hesitation about taking over the leadership role eased after Kohli sent him a welcoming message.
“Virat (Kohli) sends me a message, and he’s like, listen, couldn’t be happier to get a better captain to take over from me. Can’t wait to get you in,” Du Plessis told former South African cricketer Dale Steyn on ESPNcricinfo’s ‘Cricketers on Cricketers’ show.
He said Kohli’s backing made him feel accepted and confident about taking charge. Du Plessis also recalled telling Kohli that his support was essential to making the captaincy work.
“I had a conversation with him (Kohli) like, first of all, this job is not possible without you. Your support, if I don’t have it, I’m gonna fail 100%. Dramatically. Because it’s impossible without your support. You can cut my legs off underneath me with one sentence, and I’m done.”
Du Plessis said the pressure surrounding Kohli’s popularity meant that even one defeat could trigger calls for the former captain’s return.
“Let me tell you as a captain, if you lose two games – not even, if you lose one game for RCB – the whole of Bangalore and the whole of India want Virat Kohli to captain,” he said.
Du Plessis added that Kohli supported him consistently throughout his three-year stint as RCB captain, making the transition easier. He also said the two developed a strong friendship despite having frequently played against each other.
Having stepped down as South Africa captain in 2020, Du Plessis said he brought a fresh perspective to the situation, as he and Kohli were then both players.
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