Faf du Plessis explains IPL’s impact on the game, picks his title favourite

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has opened up about how the Indian Premier League has transformed modern cricket. In a recent chat he spoke about the Impact Player rule and how it has altered the game. He also went on to make a bold prediction about the winner of IPL 2026.

The former Proteas is also engaged in a new venture as he has signed up for the upcoming European T20 Premier League that kicks off in August. Faf along with Jonty Rhodes and Heinrich Klaasen are part of a group who have bought the Rotterdam franchise. The pair will be co-owners of the team while both Faf and Klaasen will also play for the side with du Plessis leading it.

Impact Player rule changing the game

When asked about the IPL, Faf said that how the league is different from other formats. In regular cricket teams are dependent on all-rounders but with the Impact Player rule in the IPL the balance has changed.

Faf Said :

"The rest of the world operates at a level where it's just 11 players, your all-rounder is still very much important. All of those things, for us, still feel very normal because that's what we do 90 per cent of the year. It's only when you get to the IPL where it's the Impact Player and it's almost like you just switch into a mode where you're like okay this is normal for the next two months"

He also quoted:

"There's going to be some massive scores, and then the game's going to places where we never thought it would go. But then also, you still look at some of the teams, and you go actually good bowlers are still bowling well. There's still room for the actual world-class bowler someone like Josh Hazlewood. Every single game he plays he's performing. So, it's not possible. It's just much harder for a bowler in the IPL. The wickets are good the grounds are small but it still creates fascinating watching," 

Faf stated that while batting may have become easy quality bowlers can still make an impact. The former South African captain even cited players like Josh Hazlewood who continue to perform.

Faf predicts IPL 2026 winner

The veteran also spoke about the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and although a gold medal for the nation at the Olympics sounds good the skipper made it clear that he does not plan on returning to play international cricket for South Africa.

Faf Said:

"For me, personally, a gold medal at the Olympics does sound pretty good but in terms of coming back and playing for South Africa, no."

Meanwhile, Faf predicted which teams could fare well in IPL 2026. While predicting a winner he named Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals as the teams who could do well. He also lauded Rajasthan Royals and Punjab for their performances this season.

However, when pressed for a specific winner he went with RCB to lift the trophy.

He Concluded:

"If I had to pick a team, looking at the squads, I'd say RCB. I think they will go back to back," 

RCB will play Lucknow Super Giants in their next match on May 7 at Ekana Stadium and will be aiming to continue their winning run.