Faf du Plessis reveals that new South Africa coach wants him to play in T20 World Cup 2024

The 38-year-old former captain said that prospects of his inclusion in South Africa squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India would be discussed only after the completion of the IPL 2023.

Du Plessis made it clear that the 50-over format would require a lot of physical effort from him and therefore both Walter and him are more focussed on the T20 World Cup in West Indies and United States in July 2024.

“I’m very grateful that the new coach has reached out to tell me that he would like me to be a part (of the team). At the moment, it’s just conversations to talk about where I’m at physically,” Du Plessis told NDTV as quoted by The South African Website.

“I’ve been struggling with a tennis elbow for about a year now. I’ve had some injections into that… It’s a conversation where I feel like you got to look at the balance of where I’m at physically, emotionally, and mentally. Right now, that balance is really good.

“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,” he added.

Recently, Walter also opined that he felt Du Plessis, who will turn 40 in July, 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. think it’s unlikely (on if he will feature at the ODI World Cup),” he added.

Du Plessis is currently leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2023. He is the leading run-scorer so far in the tournament with 631 runs in 12 matches at an average of 57.36 and a strike rate of 154.27.