Exclusive: Why Faf du Plessis ruled himself out of Proteas' ICC Cricket World Cup selection

Despite being 39 years old and having last represented South Africa in T20 Internationals in 2020, du Plessis has been playing some of the best cricket of his nearly 20-year career. 

READ: A look at the Proteas performances at the World Cup down the years

While it is no secret du Plessis has had ongoing conversations with white-ball coach Rob Walter, who has been transparent in his desire to have du Plessis back in the set-up, his long-awaited return may only come in 2024.

"It's been really pleasing just to have open communication again. I mean, if you remember the process a couple of years ago that, I think, didn't work out as well as anyone would have liked," Du Plessis told SABC Sport in an exclusive interview.

"I suppose the most important thing has been just opening it up. Rob has been great, so those conversations are happening, and it's [return] in the plan. Hopefully there's a comeback on the horizon – that's in the plans."

ALSO READ: Faf du Plessis banks on Proteas batters in India

Du Plessis confirmed that, despite not playing any ODIs in recent years, he might well have been part of the current team in India for the men's ICC World Cup. 

He had to, however, rule himself out.

"I've been playing with Tennis elbow for about two years so, in order for me to give myself longevity, I've prioritised the operation, so that pretty much ruled me out for any conversations around 50-over cricket," he revealed.

"But I've always said, and I haven't changed [tune], that T20 cricket – I'm open [to a return]."

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