Faf du Plessis: The fever for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is on as we are just a few months away from the biggest crown of the game. The tournament will take place in India and it is expected that it will be played from 5th October. A total of 47 matches are likely to take place throughout the tournament. Coming to South Africa, they have qualified for the World Cup and would be heading into the tournament as one of the favourites.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Faf du Plessis to play for South Africa in World Cup? Dinesh Karthik answers
It’s a bit of a surprise that a player of Faf du Plessis calibre hasn’t played international cricket for a while. It surely has nothing to do with his form and fitness because even at 39, he’s the best going around the world in cricket.
The former Proteas skipper announced his retirement from Tests in February 2021 but was quite vocal that he will be available to play for the country in the white-ball format. However, he hasn’t been considered to play for the team due to some issues with the board.
Faf du Plessis however, has been scoring truckloads of runs in franchise cricket across the world and has been knocking on the doors of selectors with his staggering display. But recently there have been many talks about his return to South Africa, especially after the new coach Rob Walter expressed his desire to have him in the team.
With ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 around the corner, Faf du Plessis is in talks with South Africa Cricket about his return and if he makes a comeback, it’ll be a massive boost for the Proteas, considering his experience and his calibre as a player.
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Dinesh Karthik pointed out how consistent Faf du Plessis has been in the franchise cricket and said that South Africa will miss a trick if they don’t select him in the World Cup squad. Speaking in the ICC review, he said:
“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. 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.”
“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.”
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: “We’ll cross that bridge after the IPL,” says Faf du Plessis on his comeback
Faf du Plessis also opened up about his comeback to the South Africa team. He said that he’ll cross that bridge after the ongoing IPL. Speaking about his comeback, he said;
“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.”
Faf du Plessis has been in the red hot form in the ongoing IPL 2023. He is the leading run-getter in the IPL with 702 runs to his name from 13 games. Also, he has smashed 8 half-centuries as well in the league.