Cape Town - Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis has been retained by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Super Kings confirmed on Wednesday that they have retained all but three members of their 2018 title-winning squad.

All IPL franchises were required to inform the IPL Governing Council of their retention and release of players by Thursday, November 15, ahead of the 2019 Player auction scheduled to be held next month.

The Super Kings won their third IPL crown in their seventh appearance in the final when they comfortably defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Du Plessis was among the core group retained after the South African was bought for $250 000 (R3.57m) at the 2018 IPL Auction earlier this year.

The Proteas skipper contributed 162 runs in six games for the tournament winners in 2018.

Sadly, the Super Kings have released England fast bowler Mark Wood and two uncapped domestic picks, Kanishk Seth and Kshitiz Sharma, from their original 25-member squad.

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The 12th edition of the IPL is set to be held from March 23 after being moved to due to the country's general elections.

In the meantime, Du Plessis will lead the Proteas on Saturday in their sole T20I against Australia at the Gold Coast (10:20 SA time).

Lion Call! As we get set roaring for the #SummerOf19 with loud whistles, we bid adieu to three of our lions and wish them super #Yellove forever! #WhistlePodu ????https://t.co/9lskeRgxzA

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 14, 2018