As the IPL 2025 season looms, the landscape of cricket teams has shifted with the mega auction, leading to notable player movements. Among the most intriguing changes are those of Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks, both of whom were released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). These players have previously demonstrated their capability to change the course of a match with their six-hitting prowess. Now, with new teams and potentially new roles, they are set to light up the IPL once again, possibly surpassing the 20-sixes mark in the upcoming season. Their departure from RCB has sparked a wave of anticipation as fans and analysts alike speculate on how these power hitters will perform in different environments and under new leadership.
Faf du Plessis –
Faf du Plessis, who has moved to Delhi Capitals, is a seasoned campaigner in the IPL, known for his ability to both anchor and accelerate innings. Despite his age, du Plessis has shown no signs of slowing down when it comes to hitting sixes. His career in the IPL has seen him amass 166 sixes, showcasing his proficiency in clearing the boundary. His leadership and batting were pivotal for RCB in previous seasons, where he accumulated 1,636 runs at an average of 38.05 and a strike rate close to 147 while captaining the side. Now, at Delhi Capitals, he could find himself in a role that maximizes his six-hitting capabilities, particularly in the powerplay or during middle overs where he can set the tempo. If given the right platform, du Plessis could easily hit over 20 sixes, leveraging his experience and tactical acumen to exploit bowling attacks.
Will Jacks –
Will Jacks, on the other hand, after a memorable stint with RCB, has been picked up by another team looking for explosive talent. Jacks made an immediate impact in the IPL 2024, scoring a century against Gujarat Titans where he hit 10 sixes in a single match. His dynamic approach to batting, where he combines classic textbook shots with innovative T20 style, makes him a formidable six-hitter. With a strike rate of 175.57 in his limited appearances for RCB, Jacks has the potential to go beyond 20 sixes if he gets consistent opportunities. His ability to take the game away from the opposition in the middle overs, especially with his leg-side play, could see him become a key player in his new team’s strategy.
Both players, now in new environments, might find themselves in batting positions that suit their aggressive styles more than ever before. The IPL’s format, with its high-scoring pitches and shorter boundaries, plays into the hands of batsmen like du Plessis and Jacks. Their new teams will be eager to capitalize on their six-hitting abilities, setting up strategies that allow them to play their natural game.
The release of Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks by RCB has opened up exciting possibilities for IPL 2025. Their proven track records for hitting sixes suggest they are on the cusp of another outstanding season. If they maintain their form, fitness, and get the right opportunities, they could not only entertain fans but also significantly contribute to their new teams’ success with their boundary-clearing abilities. The IPL is all set to witness some breathtaking six-hitting action from these two former RCB stars.
