I think South Africa will be missing a trick if they don't take Faf du Plessis to World Cup: Dinesh Karthik

Veteran India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes that South Africa would be making a mistake if they will not include Faf du Plessis in the squad for the forthcoming World Cup, which will be held in India in October-November. Du Plessis retired from Test cricket in 2021 and last represented South Africa at the international level in the same year. Notably, he has already expressed his desire to return to white-ball cricket for South Africa.

Karthik said that he is not surprised with Du Plessis' form, calling him a brilliant player. The 37-year-old has also praised the Proteas batter's leadership abilities. He added that Du Plessis has been very consistent over the previous five years and that he has just had another year where he has been even more consistent, effective, and powerful.

"I'm not at all surprised with Faf's form because I think he's a terrific player. He's a very good leader as well. In the last four, five years of IPL, he's been very consistent and he's just had another year where he's been even more consistent, even more effective, even more powerful," Karthik said while speaking on the latest edition of The ICC Review. 

Karthik went on to say that he believes Du Plessis is ready to compete in the 50-over World Cup. He also said that the 38-year-old batter is somebody who can make a difference as a leader and a batter. He added that he will be pleased if the South Africa selectors pick Du Plessis in the squad since he can make an impact in the World Cup.

"I think South Africa will be missing a trick if they don't take him to the World Cup. I think he is ready. He is somebody who can make a difference as a leader, as a batter. So, I genuinely wish Faf says yes when South Africa asks him because he will make an impact at that World Cup if he's there" he added. 

Du Plessis has been a standout performer for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). The RCB skipper currently tops the IPL 2023 Orange Cap list with 702 runs from 13 innings at an average of 58.5 and a strike rate of 153.95.