Faf du Plessis one of the most established cricketers of south Africa, has retired from International Cricket. Faf du Plessis retirement news has left fans shocked and emotional, as he was not just a great batsman but also an inspirational leader. In this article we discussed Faf du Plessis retirement marks the end of an era for South African Cricket.
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Faf du Plessis Retirement Announcement
Faf du Plessis officially announced his retirement from international cricket on 17 Jan 2021. He retired from Test Cricket in early 2021, but later he also retired from ODI and T20s which was a shocking decision for the fans. In his emotional statement, Faf du Plessis expressed his gratitude towards Cricket South Africa(CSA), teammates and fans who supported him starting to end. He also emphasize his desire to focus on franchise T20 Leagues worldwide.
Also Read: AB de Villiers Retirement: A Heart breaking Goodbye to Cricket’s Genius
A look Back at Faf du Plessis Glorious Career
Faf du Plessis made his international debut for South Africa in 2011 and established himself as a perfect middle order batsman. His career was filled with unforgettable performances, leadership quality and crucial contributions to South African cricket.
Career stats
- Test Cricket: 69 matches, 4,163 runs, 10 centuries
- ODI Cricket: 143 matches, 5,507 runs, 12 centuries
- T20 Internationals: 50 matches, 1,528 runs, 1 century
His debut Test century against Australia in 2012 remains one of the finest innings in cricket history, show his ability to handle pressure.
Why Did Faf du Plessis Retire?
Fans were hoping that he would play for a few more years, but due to some reasons he took retirement decision.
- Lack of International Selection – despite performing well in domestic leagues, Faf du Plessis was not a regular selection for the national team in recent years.
- Age Factor – At 39, he wanted to focus on playing T20 leagues rather than international commitments.
- CSA’s Transition Phase – South Africa undergoing a rebuilding phase, with younger players taking over.
- Family and Personal life – he mentioned wanting to spend more time with his family while continuing to play franchise cricket.
Faf du Plessis in T20 Leagues
Faf has retired from international cricket, he remains active players in franchise cricket.
- Indian Premier League(IPL): Chennai Super Kings(CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) and Delhi Capitals(DC)
- Caribbean Premier League(CPL)
- Pakistan Super League(PSL)
- Big Bash League(BBL)
His experience and leadership will continue to be valuable for T20 teams worldwide.
Cricketers and Fans Reactions
The cricketing world was react to Faf du Plessis retirement. Former teammates, opponents and fans expressed their love for his contributions.
- Virat Kohli: One of the biggest competitors and a gentlemen, I have played against. Wishing you the best , Faf.
- AB de Villiers: A brother, a leader and a true legend. Enjoy the next chapter of your career.
- Fans on Twitter: We will miss your courage and passion in international cricket. Thank You, Faf.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
Faf du Plessis retirement from international cricket is a heart breaking yet proud moment for South African cricket. He has been an exceptional leader, a stylish batsman and a cruel competitor who played the game with passion and honesty. Through he would not wear the South African jersey again, his legacy will live on and his journey in T20 leagues will keep fans entertained. Cricket may have lost an international star. Wishing him the best for his future aim in franchise cricket. Thank you, Faf, for the memories.