Full Name: Francois du Plessis Date of Birth: July 13, 1984 Birthplace: Pretoria, South Africa Role: Right-Handed Batter | Former Captain | Middle-Order Specialist Faf du Plessis emerged as one of South Africa’s most resilient and stylish batters—a natural leader who carried both poise and purpose. With sleeves always rolled up, eyes sharp, and a fierce will to win, Faf was the rock in South Africa’s batting order for much of the 2010s. Born in Pretoria, Faf came from a sporting family and shared classrooms with AB de Villiers at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool. Though he made his mark in domestic cricket early, it took years of grinding before he earned his national cap. But when he did—he made it unforgettable. His Test debut in 2012 against Australia was one for the history books. Batting under immense pressure, Faf scored a gritty 110 in Adelaide*, spending over 7.5 hours at the crease, leading South Africa to a dramatic draw. That knock earned him instant respect and set the tone for his career. In white-ball cricket, Faf proved equally valuable. His ODI career saw over 5,500 runs, including 12 centuries, often anchoring innings and accelerating when needed. In T20s, he brought muscle and intent, especially in his later years with South Africa and various T20 leagues worldwide. Career highlights include: - Over 4,000 Test runs and 5,500+ ODI runs - Captain across all three formats (2016–2020), leading SA through transition - Scored a T20I century (120 off 60) – one of the fastest by a South African - Major contributor for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL and later Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) - Known for his elite fielding, particularly in the inner ring As captain, Faf was respected globally for his honesty, tactical awareness, and calm under fire. He led with dignity, even during tough periods like the 2019 World Cup. Off the field, he’s seen as a grounded individual—deeply spiritual, family-oriented, and a vocal advocate for transformation in cricket. Faf’s career continues on the T20 circuit, where his fitness, flair, and form defy age. With jersey number 18, Faf du Plessis is more than a cricketer—he’s a leader, warrior, and role model whose journey reflects persistence, pride, and performance.