Faf Du Plessis has been on form this season for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and could return for the Proteas. Image: IPL/Twitter
Proteas coach pours cold water on Faf du Plessis’ CWC hopes
Proteas white-ball coach believes that chances are slim that Faf Du Plessis will travel to the Cricket World Cup in India.
Faf Du Plessis has been on form this season for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and could return for the Proteas. Image: IPL/Twitter
Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter believes that chances are slim that Faf Du Plessis will travel to the Cricket World Cup in India with the national squad.
Faf du Plessis’ Proteas World Cup hopes fading
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Walter is unsure that Du Plessis is physically ready for ODI cricket having limited his play to T20s in recent times.
“First and foremost, for 50-over cricket there’s a slight chance, but not a great one that Faf would play,” Walter told IOL.
“He’s got a few things that he needs to take care of physically that will allow him to continue to play T20 cricket, which is ultimately his bread and butter.
“I think it’s unlikely.”
A quality player
Walter added that he feels that Du Plessis would definitely add something to the Proteas playing group.
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“If that very small chance happens, we’re talking about a quality player who’s played a lot of games for South Africa. Everyone in the group knows Faf well,” Walter said.
“For me I look at a guy like Faf and I think he’s got 200-plus international games under the belt. It’s not as if he’s new to the group.
“He probably understands his role now better than ever before.
“It would be naive not to think that a guy like Faf would strengthen the squad. Of course, he would strengthen the squad, he’s showing himself to be one of the best players in the world.
“But as I said, it probably won’t happen.
“We are looking at a quality individual with really strong values and a guy who’s led his country. To fit him back into the team, for me, it’s not something that I worry too much about.”
The Proteas are assured of their place at the Cricket World Cup thanks to an eighth-place finish in the Super League, clinched this week with a washout in the first match of the Ireland vs Bangladesh series.
India host the showpiece tournament from 5 October to 19 November.
