Faf du Plessis believes Indian players are likely still deeply affected by their loss in the 2023 World Cup final, comparing it to the emotional impact of a breakup.
India cruised through the group stages with nine consecutive victories, triumphed over New Zealand in the semi-final, but fell short in the final against Australia, who secured their sixth World Cup title.
Following a modest total of 240, India had Australia at 47/3, but a formidable 192-run stand between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne secured a convincing six-wicket victory for Australia with seven overs remaining, leaving Indian players and fans disappointed.
In a conversation with NDTV, Du Plessis acknowledged that recovering from a World Cup loss is a formidable challenge, drawing parallels with the difficulties his South African team faced in 2015.
“That is a big challenge,” Faf du Plessis said.
“I remember going through a similar experience as a cricketer when we went through the highs and lows of the 2015 World Cup. The heartache that you have to deal with takes a bit of time and it is a bit like breaking up with a girlfriend. You cannot just get over it straight away.”
Du Plessis believes that India’s exceptional performance leading up to the final will intensify the challenge of bouncing back from the heartbreaking loss.
“India were so amazing in the way they played in this World Cup,” the former Proteas skipper added.
“They were unbelievable the way they went about their business. They will be feeling in a similar way and they will be heartbroken. That was their World Cup to win.”
“That will take a bit of time and time heals everything. Your first series back feels like you are in the middle of nowhere. Obviously there are so quality players there and some experience players who I am sure will help manage the young guys well.”
India showcased their strength by defeating Australia 4-1 in a T20I series at home just four days after the World Cup final. Despite resting key players, the team displayed impressive bench strength in both batting and bowling.
“I am confident in my ability to make a comeback in international cricket as well”- Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has surprised many by suggesting that he might make a comeback to the South African T20I squad for the upcoming World Cup in the West Indies and the U.S.A.
The former Proteas skipper’s last appearance for South Africa was in the Test series against Pakistan in 2021, and he played his last T20I against England in December 2020.
During the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, Faf du Plessis made the statement:
“I believe that I can return to international cricket as well. We have been speaking about this for the last couple of years. It’s just figuring out the balance of the T20 World Cup next year. It’s certainly something we have spoken about with the new coach.”
In 2015, Faf du Plessis became the first South African cricketer to score centuries in all three formats. Over his impressive international career of 262 games, the former captain amassed over 11,000 runs with 23 centuries.
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