Is Faf Du Plessis Retired?

Know about Faf Du Plessis cricket career
 
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Past South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has captained the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL)- by playing the Royal Challengers Bangalore . He has previously competed in various leagues globally, but has been absent from the South African National Team for quite some time.

Why is Faf du Plessis not playing international cricket?

I believe I can return to international cricket": Faf Du Plessis

A serious reason why du Plessis is not playing international cricket is due to a fallout with the South African Cricket Board. When the board decided he should make himself available on a more regular basis for South African duties, he was keen to balance South African commitments and playing in major T20 leagues abroad. The conflicting view led him to lose his central contract with the CSA.

Despite this, du Plessis has often expressed a desire to return to white-ball cricket at the international level. Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, then-director of cricket and former South African captain Graeme Smith revealed that CSA had tried to negotiate with du Plessis, but the talks were unsuccessful.

Has Faf du Plessis Retired from International Cricket?

Is Faf du Plessis Retired from International Cricket?

Du Plessis retired from test cricket in 2021 but is available for selection in both the limited formats: ODI and T20. Rob Walter, the current white-ball coach for South Africa, has expressed a desire to bring du Plessis in for the national team. Accordingly, CSA officials in a meeting stated they might offer him a single-format contract so he can return.

The confirmation of registration of discussions was made on ESPNcricinfo, wherein Walter first spoke with Faf du Plessis about putting the mounting pressure on him to go bowling. Walter believes du Plessis will be very beneficial, more so as the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is around the horizon.

Enoch Nkwe, the Cricket Operations Director at CSA, supported Walter's plan to bring in freelance players. He did not mention anyone specifically but confirmed that a couple of players are still keen on playing cricket for South Africa at the international level. This discussion with freelance players is ongoing, "It is a continuous process for us; we have always been open for dialogues with our freelance players. Rob is keen to restart those conversations, and many players remain committed to the national team,” Nkwe told ESPNcricinfo.

Faf du Plessis’ Last International Match

Door still open for Faf du Plessis to make South Africa T20I comeback |  ESPNcricinfo

Du Plessis last played a Test match for South Africa against Pakistan, that took place from February 4 to 8, 2021. Pakistan won that Test match by 95 runs, with du Plessis making 22 runs, 17 in the first innings and 5 in the second.

His last T20I match came in the home series with England at the end of 2020. He has not played ODIs since the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Conclusion

Though Faf du Plessis has been away for over two years, his return to the StandSouth African team remains on the cards. The former national captain is expected to provide leadership and experience to the group- two things which might deem significant for South Africa, particularly with the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in 2024.