Faf leaves IPL champs Chennai after 11 years, eyes elusive title with Bangalore

Former Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis will be donning red at this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) after being bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in last week's auction.

Du Plessis has previously only played for one IPL franchise in his professional career, spending 11 years with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The Proteas star batter was an integral part of the 'Yellow Brigade' since joining the franchise in 2012 and took them to two IPL titles in the process.

Last year, Du Plessis led the Super Kings to their fourth IPL title and ended as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer (633 runs).

After not being retained by CSK, Du Plessis was the second-highest South African sold at the IPL auction as he was bought for 7 crore (R14.1 million) by Bangalore.

Shortly after being bought, Du Plessis sent a heartfelt video thanking the Super Kings' staff and fans and admitted in an interview with RevSportz his sadness in leaving the franchise.

"It's sad because you build strong relationships with people there, but you understand that cricket is a professional sport," said Du Plessis.

"Another team sees great value in me and I'm excited about what that opportunity will be, it's a new chapter in my professional career in the IPL.

"I've got so used to playing in yellow, but the new challenge is to go to the new team and try and win a trophy."

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Since regular captain Virat Kohli announced that he'd step down as captain for Bangalore, Du Plessis is favourite to lead his new IPL franchise this season.

It'll be a massive task for the South African as the Royal Challengers Bangalore have never lifted an IPL trophy, despite boasting Kohli and fellow South Africa AB de Villiers in