Graeme Smith blamed India for Faf Du Plessis’ reluctance in international cricket

South Africa’s dashing batsman Faf du Plessis last played a T20 match in the country’s jersey in December 2020. There is no interest in playing in the country’s jersey in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

However, Faf du Plessis is currently one of the biggest peddlers in T20 cricket. Former Proteas captain and board official Graeme Smith has expressed his displeasure against India for not getting this hard-hitter batsman in the T20 cricket.

Du Plessis led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the last season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, this time he is uncertain about getting on the World Cup team. The dashing batsman also played in the South African jersey in the last World Cup.

However, Smith refused to give up hope of getting him on the team. The former cricketer commented that Du Plessis is fit and eligible enough to play for South Africa. He has no doubt bout this. Du Plessis can also lead. But the question is, does the team want him?

Du Plessis said goodbye to white-jersey cricket in 2021. Insider news of South African cricket, he is also on unannounced retirement from ODI cricket. He is in great rhythm in T20. Is it possible to imagine the World Cup squad leaving out such a cricketer?

Smith stated that South Africa has created an equation.” He added, “Planning with the best possible XI. Du Plessis is fit enough. He doesn’t even play Test cricket. But the challenge is to get him free. Today’s cricketers are busy playing leagues in different parts of the world. I don’t know how much time he can give the country to prepare for the World Cup.”

Smith remarked: “Du Plessis can be included in the World Cup squad. But the culture and preparation of the team have to be adjusted. It has to be a matter of building understanding with teammates. India does not have to face such a challenge. But it is becoming difficult for other countries.”

Leaving the national team, cricketers are more interested in franchise cricket. Also, the cricketers do not meet the needs of the country. Why is this happening? In response to such a question, Smith pointed a finger at the Indian Cricket Board. “India is different. They do not allow their contracted cricketers to play in foreign leagues,” he said.

South African cricketers play all over the world, including in the IPL. Du Plessis plays in several T20 leagues in addition to the IPL, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Smith claims that Du Plessis has lost interest in the national team since he started playing in these leagues.