(Cricket News) South African cricket stalwart Faf Du Plessis is actively considering a return to the national team in anticipation of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA next year.

Despite never officially announcing his retirement from white-ball cricket, Du Plessis was notably absent from the South African squads in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup. Having previously led the South African side during the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns, his potential comeback has stirred discussions and speculation within the cricketing community.

Du Plessis provided insight into ongoing conversations with the newly appointed South Africa white-ball coach, Rob Walter, regarding the prospect of his return to international cricket. Speaking to the Abu Dhabi T10 league broadcaster, he expressed confidence in his ability to make a successful comeback, stating, “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 for the T20 World Cup next year. It’s certainly something we have discussed with the new coach.”

The seasoned cricketer’s last appearance for South Africa was in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2021. In the realm of limited-overs cricket, he last represented the Proteas at the end of 2020 during a T20I clash against England in Cape Town. Despite not formally retiring from white-ball cricket, Du Plessis, now 39, showcased his enduring skills by concluding the 2023 Indian Premier League as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing an impressive 730 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore from 14 innings.

Although Du Plessis captained South Africa in the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups, he was left out of consideration for the subsequent editions of the tournament. However, South Africa coach Walter hinted this week that veterans like Du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, and Rilee Rossouw are being contemplated for inclusion in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Walter emphasized, “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 SA20 that happens next year – 80% of the side picks itself but there is definitely a space for other guys to get themselves into the conversation.”

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