<p>As the chants of ‘RCB... RCB...’ grew louder on St Marks Road, former South African skipper Faf du Plessis was named the new captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. </p>.<p>The 37-year-old, who had a long haul with Chennai Super Kings until the last season, was bought by the Bengaluru franchise for Rs 7 crore in the recent IPL auction when talks of him replacing Virat Kohli as the leader began doing the rounds. </p>.<p>“It’s no small thing to trust an outsider, an overseas player to do the job as a leader. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity,” said du Plessis who will don the role of captaincy for the first time in the IPL.</p>.<p>“For me, the journey with RCB will begin with building relationships and connecting with my teammates. I’m excited to get going and put on a good performance for the fans,” he added with a smile while struggling to shut the deafening cheers from hundreds of fans gathered on Church Street. </p>.<p>When asked if the South African was the captaincy choice made while bidding for him or after picking him at the auction, Mike Hesson, Director of Cricket Operation RCB, said it was a little bit of both. </p>.<p>“It was certainly important for us at the auction to have another leadership candidate and Faf was right on top of that list in terms of whom we wanted to get. I have coached against Faf when he led South Africa and I know how well respected, technically sound and a great team player he is. And that’s what we wanted in RCB,” explained Henson. </p>.<p>Virat Kohli, who decided to step down as captain after leading the team since 2013, said he was happy to pass on the baton to a good friend. </p>.<p>“He is one of the few guys I have gotten to know better over the years through cricket. I'm absolutely excited for him to lead RCB and to play under him. The squad that we have put together this year is pretty amazing and strong. Looking forward to beginning the season with renewed energy,” said Kohli. </p>.<p>Another South African - AB De Villiers - whose retirement from all forms of cricket left many RCBians disappointed, had a few encouraging words for his fellow countryman. </p>.<p>“This announcement comes as no surprise to me after RCB picked Faf at the auction. He is an amazing leader and the perfect man for the job.”</p>.<p><strong>Check out the latest Dh videos here</strong> </p>
<p>As the chants of ‘RCB... RCB...’ grew louder on St Marks Road, former South African skipper Faf du Plessis was named the new captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. </p>.<p>The 37-year-old, who had a long haul with Chennai Super Kings until the last season, was bought by the Bengaluru franchise for Rs 7 crore in the recent IPL auction when talks of him replacing Virat Kohli as the leader began doing the rounds. </p>.<p>“It’s no small thing to trust an outsider, an overseas player to do the job as a leader. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity,” said du Plessis who will don the role of captaincy for the first time in the IPL.</p>.<p>“For me, the journey with RCB will begin with building relationships and connecting with my teammates. I’m excited to get going and put on a good performance for the fans,” he added with a smile while struggling to shut the deafening cheers from hundreds of fans gathered on Church Street. </p>.<p>When asked if the South African was the captaincy choice made while bidding for him or after picking him at the auction, Mike Hesson, Director of Cricket Operation RCB, said it was a little bit of both. </p>.<p>“It was certainly important for us at the auction to have another leadership candidate and Faf was right on top of that list in terms of whom we wanted to get. I have coached against Faf when he led South Africa and I know how well respected, technically sound and a great team player he is. And that’s what we wanted in RCB,” explained Henson. </p>.<p>Virat Kohli, who decided to step down as captain after leading the team since 2013, said he was happy to pass on the baton to a good friend. </p>.<p>“He is one of the few guys I have gotten to know better over the years through cricket. I'm absolutely excited for him to lead RCB and to play under him. The squad that we have put together this year is pretty amazing and strong. Looking forward to beginning the season with renewed energy,” said Kohli. </p>.<p>Another South African - AB De Villiers - whose retirement from all forms of cricket left many RCBians disappointed, had a few encouraging words for his fellow countryman. </p>.<p>“This announcement comes as no surprise to me after RCB picked Faf at the auction. He is an amazing leader and the perfect man for the job.”</p>.<p><strong>Check out the latest Dh videos here</strong> </p>