Royal Challengers Bangalore name Faf du Plessis as new captain

Bangalore have been on the lookout for a new leader since Kohli announced last September that he would be stepping down from the post

Faf du Plessis has been named as the new captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, replacing Virat Kohli.

The former South Africa skipper was picked up in February's mega-auction after RCB saw off competition from du Plessis' former team, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals.

Bangalore have been on the lookout for a new leader since Kohli announced last September that he would be stepping down from the post.

"I couldn't be happier to pass on the baton to a good friend, someone I've known over the years," he said in a video released by the franchise.

"We've been in touch for many years now. He's one of the few guys I've gotten to know a little bit more apart from the cricket. My partnership with Faf is going to be exciting. The squad we've put together is amazing. Our team looks balanced and strong, and I can't wait to get started."

“He’s an amazing leader and the perfect man for the job” - @ABdeVilliers17 sends a heartfelt message to our new captain @faf1307. 🤩❤️#PlayBold #RCBUnbox #UnboxTheBold #IPL2022 #RCBCaptain pic.twitter.com/UB8XRx54eB

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 12, 2022

Other than du Plessis, other possible candidates included Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik, but the South African is a four-time Indian Premier League winner going back to his time with CSK, albeit not as captain but as a consistent run-scorer at the top of the order.