While a return to the South African national team remains an enticing proposition for him, former captain Faf du Plessis wants to regain his peak fitness and game touch before seriously nourishing such ambitions.
Recently, Proteas coach Rob Walter indicated that doors to the national team are open for senior pros like Du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, and Rilee Rossouw.
But for that, Du Plessis wanted to reach his highest point of fitness after an elbow surgery that he underwent in September during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2023).
“I wouldn’t say the process is not on (his SA comeback). I mean, international cricket is still the pinnacle. You still feel like that’s where cricket comes with the most pressure, and that’s what makes you really feel alive as a sportsman,” Du Plessis said.
“But now, it’s just about getting back into cricket after my operation and a long layoff with my arm. So yeah, just taking the pressure off and just really enjoying playing some cricket again and allowing my arm to get back to where it needs to get to,” he said.
“It (the SA return) is just the process at the moment. South Africa has come out and said that there will be some T20 contracts coming out in March. So, then it’s up to the players to perform and do well (in leagues and other international matches) to make sure that they are eligible for selection.”
In fact, Du Plessis has been one of the early-moving freelance cricketers hopping across T20 leagues.
