This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
‘Never easy to…’: Delhi capitals release Faf du Plessis as Coach Badani explains tough call
Delhi capitals head coach Hemang Badani explains the tough decision to release Faf du Plessis, saying it was never an easy call.
Last Updated on - December 2, 2025 4:46 PM IST
Faf du Plessis
Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani said releasing big-hitting former South African skipper Faf du Plessis was a difficult call but the franchise wanted to move towards a younger and more aggressive option aligned with the team’s style of play.
Du Plessis played for Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant during his IPL run that ended on Monday after his decision to retire from the league. He was a part of DC’s setup last season and will now feature in the Pakistan Super League.
“It’s never easy to release a player of Faf du Plessis’ caliber. Letting him go was a really tough decision because he has been a stellar performer in the IPL for many years,” Badani said during the ‘TATA IPL Retention’ show in Jiostar.
“But we felt it was time to move towards a younger option, someone who could bring a more aggressive style that fits the brand of cricket we want to play.”
TRENDING NOW
Explaining the rationale behind parting ways with Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, Badani said: “With Jake Fraser-McGurk, we backed him based how he performed last season, but at nine crore, we didn’t feel we got enough value from that investment.
“So, we felt it was best to let him go as well. Overall, we are quite pleased with the squad we have right now.”
The IPL auction is scheduled on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
( With PTI Inputs )