South Africa superstar Faf du Plessis hints his return to international cricket ahead of 2024 T20 World Cup

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has hinted at making a return to international cricket ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The veteran batter has not played an international match since announcing his Test retirement back in February 2021. Notably, his last appearance in a white ball competition for the Proteas was in a T20I match against England at the end of 2020.

However, the 39-year-old has been serving as a T20 freelancer for various franchise cricket leagues across the globe. He is also part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s largest franchise cricket tournament. After helping Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lift the title in 2021, the right-hander was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the 2022 season and was given the team’s captaincy.

Du Plessis, who is currently in the UAE for the 2023 Abu Dhabi T10 League, said he is confident he can return to international cricket and has discussed the matter with national coach Rob Walter. Interestingly, Walter has previously hinted that the door is not closed for Du Plessis to make a return.

“I believe that I can return to international cricket as well. We have been speaking about this for the last couple of years. It’s just figuring out the balance of the T20 World Cup next year. It’s certainly something we have spoken about with the new coach. Watch this space,” said the Pretoria-born cricketer.

There is a lot of fast running and a lot of stuff to make sure: Du Plessis

Du Plessis, who is regarded as one of the greatest fielders of all time, also said that he works very hard to ensure that his body is fit to play the sport. Although RCB failed to end their wait to win the title under Du Plessis, the skipper has been a great asset to the franchise as a batter, fielder and captain in the last two seasons. The Proteas superstar’s fitness level was evident in the 2023 season as the opener amassed 730 runs in 14 matches with 8 fifties, despite struggling with injury in a few matches.

“I do a lot of hard work to ensure I look after my body to be able to play this brilliant game we love so much. When you do get a little bit older, you have to make sure you put in the work. Otherwise, the hamstring and other body parts do not work that well. There is a lot of fast running and a lot of stuff to make sure that level where you can play against the best players in the world,” he added.