IPL 2023 Auction: I don’t see Faf du Plessis as a long-term investment for RCB – Aakash Chopra

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra doesn’t see Faf du Plessis as a long-term investment by Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB had roped in the former South African captain for INR 7 crores in the mega auction of IPL 2022 and du Plessis had led the franchise to the playoff stages of the previous season.

However, Chopra feels RCB might have to look for some more leadership options in the upcoming mini IPL 2023 auction as Faf is already 38 years old.

The renowned commentator reckons RCB might not want to target Kane Williamson and Joe Root in the upcoming auctions.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “I don’t see Faf (du Plessis) as a long-term investment. You might need a replacement next year if not this year. So can they start thinking about that? I am not saying that you go towards Joe Root or Kane Williamson because this ground does not suit them at all.”

In fact, RCB has only INR 8.75 crores left in their purse for the forthcoming auction and Chopra believes the team can not afford any big spending.

“You need an explosive player, not someone who scores through singles and doubles. But from a captaincy point of view – Jason Holder, but how will they afford him? They will not be able to do that. I don’t think this team can do any big spending.”

The former KKR player added that RCB is already a settled team as they have their bases covered before the auctions.

“If Royal Challengers Bangalore have to win the trophy, they will have to make this auction fantastic. But the truth is also that they are already a settled team. They haven’t released any big names, they haven’t come with the viewpoint of enhancing their purse.”

“The team is ready. Faf is the captain, Virat Kohli is there, Rajat Patidar is doing very well here, they have an opening option in the form of Anuj Rawat, a finisher in the form of Dinesh Karthik, a middle-order player in the form of Glenn Maxwell, Finn Allen, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood – it’s a very decent team.”

The IPL 2023 auction will take place in Kochi on Friday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, David Willey, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Rajat Patidar, Siddarth Kaul, Karn Sharma, Suyash Prabhudessai, Akash Deep.