Former South African captain, Faf du Plessis, in an interview with NDTV sports, confirmed that he was in talks with current South African white-ball coach, Rob Walter, to discuss his participation in the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India and T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in July 2024.

“I’m very grateful that the new coach has reached out to tell me that 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,” said Du Plessis.

Du Plessis did not confirm or deny whether he would aim to represent South Africa in the 50-over World Cup later this year. He revealed that his participation depended on his physical fitness, given that he has been nursing a tennis elbow injury over the last year.

“I’ve been struggling with a tennis elbow for about a year now. I’ve had some injections into that,” Du Plessis explained. In addition, du Plessis said, “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 stated that the T20 circuit allowed him to manage his body better. “At times, when I feel my body is getting sore and achy, there is that rest and recovery period. T20 cricket is a format that allows me to play as often as I want.”

In contrast, du Plessis said, “50-over cricket is a different story. Obviously, it’s a longer format. You’re on the field a lot more.” Following the IPL, conversations on his participation in South Africa’s 50-over World Cup are likely to resume.

“We’ll cross that bridge after the IPL, moving into the latter part of the year.”

While Du Plessis’ participation in the 50-over World Cup may not be entirely clear just yet, he emphatically stated that he was looking to play in the T20 World Cup in 2024.

He said, “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.”