IPL 2022: "Exciting times ahead" - Twitter erupts as RCB appoints Faf du Plessis captain

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) announced Faf du Plessis as their captain for IPL 2022 on Saturday. The South African was signed for ₹7 crores at the auction last month. He takes over from Virat Kohli, who was at the helm for 10 years.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik and star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell were the other two candidates for the job. However, the South African's captaincy record sets him apart from the rest.

Faf du Plessis has led the Proteas in 115 internationals, winning 81 of them. South Africa played 40 T20Is under him and emerged victorious in 25.

Still, the right-hander will likely have an uneasy journey in the saddle because he's arrived at RCB after helping arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings win multiple titles. Some RCB fans celebrated, bidding adieu to their most charismatic leader in Kohli and hoping Faf du Plessis can bring some CSK luck with him.

A few CSK fans wished their former opener well and some voice their staunch disappointment through memes. The following are the best reactions to the announcement:

"Absolutely excited for him to lead RCB" - Virat Kohli on Faf du Plessis

Passing the baton to his successor, Kohli called Faf a good friend and said he's 'absolutely excited' for him to lead the franchise. He said in an official statement:

"First and foremost, the most important news is that Faf is going to be the captain of the RCB and I couldn't be happier to pass on the baton to a good friend, someone I have known well over the years. We've been in touch for many years now."

"He's one of the few guys I've got to know a little bit more apart from cricket and we get along very well. So absolutely excited for him to lead RCB, to lead this amazing franchise and to play under him."

RCB's IPL 2022 season will kick off against the Punjab Kings on March 27.