Tue Nov 26 17:16:25 UTC 2024: ## RCB Snubs Former Captain Du Plessis in IPL Auction; Delhi Capitals Snag Star at Base Price

**Bengaluru, India** – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) continued their surprising trend of bypassing former players in the IPL mega auction, declining to use their Right To Match (RTM) card for former captain Faf du Plessis. Despite television cameras focusing on the RCB management as Du Plessis’ name came up, they remained silent, leaving the South African superstar seemingly unsold before the Delhi Capitals secured him at his base price.

The decision, while puzzling to many fans, appears strategic. RCB had already acquired World No. 2 T20I batter Phil Salt to fill the opening slot vacated by Du Plessis’ departure. Du Plessis, who led RCB from 2022 to 2024, scored 438 runs last season, following a stellar 700+ run performance in 2023.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. RCB also declined to use their RTM for other former players, including Mohammed Siraj (sold to Gujarat Titans for ₹12.50 crore) and Glenn Maxwell (bought by Punjab Kings for ₹4.20 crore). The latter’s sale is particularly notable, as Maxwell had expressed his desire to continue playing for RCB. RCB’s decision to acquire Liam Livingstone for ₹8.75 crore further reinforces their shift in strategy. The franchise’s choices highlight a significant overhaul of their squad as they look towards the upcoming IPL season.

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