There will be 15 South African players in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Take a look at the full list. Photo: AFP
Paul Harris calls on Proteas to pick Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has been serving constant reminders to the Proteas management of his never-ending ability to score runs.
There will be 15 South African players in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Take a look at the full list. Photo: AFP
Faf du Plessis has been serving constant reminders to the Proteas management of his never-ending ability to score runs.
And former Proteas spinner Paul Harris has taken notice and urged the selectors to end Du Plessis’ exile from the national team.
The next T20 World Cup will take place in June 2024 in the West Indies and the USA.
Retired Proteas backing Faf
The retired spinner has suggested the Proteas won’t be at their best until they pick Du Plessis.
“If we are serious about winning the T20 World Cup, we have to get our best team on the field. And that team is not the best without Faf,” Harris told Sunday newspaper Rapport.
“He reads conditions masterfully and can slow down if he has to.”
Roger Telemachus agrees.
“He is one of South Africa’s best. He is fit and his kind of experience is invaluable. And look at how many sixes he has hit in the IPL this year – 32 – the most of all. He belongs in the SA squad,” said the former Proteas fast bowler.
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Du Plessis scored 55 off 44 balls against the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL on Sunday. The former Proteas captain is the leading run-scorer with 631 in 12 matches.
Du Plessis is currently batting at a strike rate of 154.27.
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Du Plessis hasn’t played in two years
Du Plessis has not added to his caps at international level since 2021.
Faf showed his class – despite his advancing years – during the recent SA20 where he ended second on the run scorers list while playing for the Joburg Super Kings.
He was not needed for either of the World Cups in 2021 or 2022 when former wicketkeeper Mark Boucher was in charge of the Proteas.
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But it now appears certain that Du Plessis will make a stunning return later this year.
“The thing now will be to win a World Cup for South Africa,” he previously told the Rapport newspaper.
“There is nothing bigger that anyone would want from us.
“That will be the only reason I come back. I want to win something.”
