Batsman Faf du Plessis has effectively ruled out availability for this year’s World Cup, but suggested a return to the Proteas squad for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Du Plessis has retired from Test cricket, but has not formally ended availability for ODI or T20I selection. He has not played international cricket since February 2021.
New Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter recently all but ruled out the potential inclusion of du Plessis in the 2023 World Cup squad.
“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 was quoted as saying by NDTV.
“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.”
Du Plessis is currently playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore – and is the leading run-scorer in the 2023 Indian Premier League.
“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,” added du Plessis.
“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.”