IPL plays a big part in all of our lives: Faf du Plessis

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis, who is currently busy leading the Proteas in the ongoing third Test against India conceded that IPL ‘plays a big part of their lives.’ Speaking to reporters on the eve of the match at Johannesburg, the 33-year-old admitted that it is normal to get distracted by the upcoming mega IPL auctions, set to take place later this weekend. The auctions will be held on January 27 and 28, the last two days of the third and final Test between India and South Africa.

Du Plessis, along with Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Lungi Ngidi, Dean Elgar and Vernon Philander, are some of the South African players who will go under the hammer at this weekend’s IPL auction. Du Plessis, who is extremely upbeat for the auction, however, said that despite all the excitement, they will remain dedicated and focused in the ongoing fixture.

Du Plessis said, “Well we don’t have our phones, so it’s difficult to check (the auction). There will be distractions, and that is normal, it’s human. The IPL plays a big part in all of our lives”

He added, “For the management and myself, it’s important to make sure we keep the focus and the energy driving towards the Test match. And at the end of the day’s play, if we want to talk about the auction a little bit, we can do that but to make sure that the next day, when it’s Test match time again, we are switched on and focused,” he added.

IPL set to be bigger than ever

Apart from the return of two franchises, the upcoming edition of IPL will also witness a plethora of changes. With a hike in the salary cap, the teams are expected to spend big in order to acquire the services of their desired players.

Also, according to recent developments, the opening ceremony for IPL 2018 promises to be an extravagant affair. The budget for the same has been increased by a whopping 20 crores and the governing council is set to get big stars in an effort to make the upcoming season bigger than ever.