Proteas ‘missing a trick’ by overlooking Faf du Plessis

India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik believes that the Proteas would be missing out by overlooking veteran batter Faf du Plessis for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Faf du Plessis could be ICC World Cup asset

Du Plessis’ RCB colleague Karthik believes the former Proteas captain is a no-brainer to be selected for the national squad once more.

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“I’m not at all surprised with Faf’s form because I think he’s a terrific player. He’s a very good leader as well,” Karthik said in the latest edition of the ICC Review.

“In the last four, five years of IPL, he’s been very consistent, and he’s just had another year where he’s been even more consistent, even more effective, even more powerful.

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“I think South Africa will be missing a trick if they don’t take him to the World Cup. I think he is ready. He is somebody who can make a difference as a leader, as a batter.

“So, I genuinely wish Faf says ‘yes’ when South Africa asks him because he will make an impact at that World Cup if he’s there,” Karthik added.

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Will there be a return to the Proteas?

In spite of the fact that du Plessis declared his retirement from Test cricket in 2021 and that February marked his final appearance for the Proteas at the international level, the right-hander has said he would be open to returning to the Proteas in white-ball cricket.

Karthik thinks it would be a no-brainer to include someone with his expertise in the event. The South African batsman has a stellar record in ODIs in India, scoring 394 runs in 10 matches at an average higher than 65.

The ICC Cricket World Cup in India gets underway on 5 October and runs until the final 19 November.

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