‘For me, it’s just creating that balance’ – Faf du Plessis on coping with franchise-based cricket

The Joburg Super Kings will be led by former South Africa batsman Faf du Plessis in the next SA20 season. Du Plessis is still active in domestic cricket and franchise-based tournaments around the world despite having retired from international cricket. The former batter took the stage ahead of yet another SA20 stint with the Johannesburg Super Kings and discussed how he manages to play in franchise T20 leagues throughout the globe while also leading a personal life.

It’s really simple for me right now. Recognising that you must play enough cricket over the season to maintain your level of play. It’s like playing cricket all the time compared to the international circuit. Moving from international cricket to what we call “circuit life” is, in my opinion, difficult. It’s basically striking that balance, in my opinion,” Faf du Plessis stated prior to the SA20.

It just comes down to making sure you take those breaks, in my opinion: Faf du Plessis

In addition, du Plessis discussed players who aspire to compete in nearly every tournament in the globe and stressed the significance of striking the correct balance and taking the appropriate amount of time off in between competitions in order to preserve his lifespan.

There are certain men who typically feel the need to compete in every tournament held worldwide because, of course, there is a financial incentive to do so. That’s not the case for me, though. Every tournament then turns into a major motivator, so I believe it’s just about making sure you have those moments when you feel like you can step away from the game and get psychologically refreshed,” he said.

“So, yes, I consider the season and ask myself how I can play enough cricket over a 12-month period to keep up that level in the middle of each game and also that freshness where, at my current age, you don’t feel like you’re losing that desire to play the game.” Therefore, it’s quite simple for me right now. I’ve figured it out quite nicely,” he continued.