Faf du Plessis: A Proteas comeback IS part of the plan!

Earlier this year, new Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter said he would be open to discussions with Faf du Plessis about possibly reviving the 38-year-old’s international career.

Du Plessis retired from Test cricket two years ago, but is still available for ODI and T20I selection. He was overlooked for both the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cup squads by the Proteas selectors despite excelling in T20 leagues around the world.

In this year’s edition of the IPL, Du Plessis was in simply sensational form, and his performances have clearly become too good to ignore.

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In an interview with SABC Sport, the veteran batsman confirmed that he was in talks with current South African white-ball coach, Rob Walter, and hinted that any Proteas return was most likely for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in July 2024.

“It’s been really pleasing just to have open communication again. I mean, if you remember the process a couple of years ago that, I think, didn’t work out as well as anyone would have liked,” Du Plessis told SABC Sport in an exclusive interview.

“I suppose the most important thing has been just opening it up. Rob has been great, so those conversations are happening, and it’s [return] in the plan. Hopefully there’s a comeback on the horizon – that’s in the plans.

“I’ve been playing with Tennis elbow for about two years so, in order for me to give myself longevity, I’ve prioritised the operation, so that pretty much ruled me out f or any conversations around 50-over cricket,” he revealed.But I’ve always said, and I haven’t changed [tune], that T20 cricket – I’m open [to a return].”

In another interview Du Plessis reiterated that T20 cricket was ultimately better for his body.

“50-over cricket is a different story. Obviously, it’s a longer format. You’re on the field a lot more… We’ll cross that bridge after the IPL, moving into the latter part of the year.

“More than anything, we’ve spoken about the T20 World Cup next year in July, which is something we both want to make happen. That will be the focus point.”

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What has the Proteas coach said about Faf du Plessis?

Recently, Walter also stated that he felt Du Plessis may not be physically ready for ODI cricket at this stage of his career.

“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 (he’ll feature at the ODI World Cup).”

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A QUALITY PLAYER

Walter added that he feels that Du Plessis would definitely add something to the Proteas playing group.

“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.”

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