Former South Africa captain drops a major hint on his return to T20 side

Faf du Plessis has been one of South Africa’s premier batters in the T20 format and ever since the retirement of AB de Villiers, he has been the mainstay of South Africa's batting line-up for a long time. Faf du Plessis has also led South Africa in two T20 World Cups back in 2014 and 2016 but the former Proteas captain hasn’t played for South Africa since 2021 despite not officially retiring from international cricket.

Despite having such a rich cricketing history, this has been losing their premier players to other countries and leagues. In the past, it has been the Kolpak agreements where many stalwarts and young prodigies of South Africa have gone on to play for English counties to earn in pounds. Now they are losing their players to shortern format leagues that are happening all around the world.

Faf du Plessis have also been one such player who was playing various leagues since 2021 and though he hasn’t officially retired as the former Proteas captain consciously prioritized leagues over country, he has not been considered for selection in the past years. But now things have turned as things are open for discussion as of now between him and the South African management regarding his availability for the upcoming World Cup in West Indies and the US revealed Faf du Plessis.

In a recent interview in the ongoing Abu Dhabi League Faf said, “I believe that I can return to international cricket. We have been speaking about this for the last couple of years. It's just figuring out the balance of the T20 World Cup next year. It's certainly something we have spoken about with the new coach."

‘Other South African stalwarts are also in contention’- South Africa’s coach

South Africa’s coach Rob Walter also said that they are in constant touch will some big players of South Africa have good experience playing across the globe in different leagues. While announcing the squad for the India series Walter said that 80 percent of the side picks themselves while for the remaining slots they will wait for the SA T20 tournament and the above players can also make a comeback if they do well.

He said, “Given that some of our frontline bowlers are missing out and there are guys - let me throw it out there just to create some media hype - like Faf (du Plessis) and Rilee (Rossouw) as well as Quinny (de Kock) that could well be considered for a T20 World Cup.

“And then also the (South African domestic tournament) SA20 that happens next year - 80 percent of the side picks itself but there is a space for other guys to get themselves into the conversation” Walter added.