When you think of stylish yet gritty batting, sharp fielding, and true leadership on and off the pitch, one name immediately comes to mind—Faf du Plessis. Over the years, this South African legend has built a reputation not just as a dependable batsman but also as a captain who leads with heart. Whether it’s the international stage or the Indian Premier League (IPL), du Plessis has left a lasting impact on world cricket.
In this detailed profile, we’ll explore everything from his personal journey to his jaw-dropping stats across formats. If you’re a fan of cricket history, stats, or simply admire Faf’s style, you’re in for a treat.
Personal Profile: Who Is Faf du Plessis?
Before diving into his career numbers, let’s take a quick look at who Faf is beyond the boundary lines:
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Full Name: Faf du Plessis
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Date of Birth: July 13, 1984 (Age 40)
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Birthplace: Pretoria, South Africa
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Height: 5 feet 11 inches
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Primary Role: Batsman
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Batting Style: Right-handed
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Bowling Style: Right-arm legbreak
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Country Represented: South Africa
Faf’s cricketing journey has always been about more than stats. Known for his fitness, determination, and team-first approach, he’s one of those rare cricketers admired even by rival fans.
Faf du Plessis’s Batting Career: A Deep Dive into the Numbers
Faf’s consistency with the bat is what has made him a global star. Let’s break down his performance across formats.
Test Cricket Stats
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Matches: 69
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Innings: 118
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Runs Scored: 4,163
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Balls Faced: 8,986
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Highest Score: 199
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Average: 40.03
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Strike Rate: 46.33
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Fifties: 21
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Centuries: 10
Why it matters: A batting average of 40+ in Tests highlights his reliability. His memorable innings against Australia in Adelaide (his debut Test series) still stands as one of the grittiest knocks in modern Test cricket.
ODI Career Stats
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Matches: 143
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Innings: 136
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Runs Scored: 5,507
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Highest Score: 185
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Average: 46.67
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Strike Rate: 88.57
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Fifties: 35
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Centuries: 12
Key takeaway: His ODI average near 47 shows his ability to balance aggression and stability—exactly what South Africa needed in crunch matches.
T20 International Stats
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Matches: 50
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Innings: 50
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Runs: 1,528
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Highest Score: 119
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Average: 35.53
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Strike Rate: 134.39
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Fifties: 10
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Centuries: 1
Fun fact: Faf’s fearless approach in T20Is proved that he wasn’t just a classic Test player but also someone who could thrive in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.
IPL Career Stats
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Matches: 154
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Innings: 147
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Runs: 4,773
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Highest Score: 96
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Average: 35.1
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Strike Rate: 135.79
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Fifties: 39
Highlight moment: His partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad for Chennai Super Kings became the talk of the IPL, showcasing his adaptability and leadership. Now, captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he continues to be a key performer.
Bowling Career Stats: A Part-Time Option
While Faf is known primarily for his batting, he has occasionally rolled his arm over. Let’s check out his bowling contributions.
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Tests: Bowled 78 balls, 0 wickets
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ODIs: 192 balls, 2 wickets (Best: 1/8)
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T20Is: 8 balls, no wickets
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IPL: Bowled only once, conceding 16 runs in a single over
Clearly, bowling wasn’t his strongest suit, but his willingness to contribute in any way possible reflects his team spirit.
Faf du Plessis’s Career Timeline
Faf’s career milestones tell the story of his journey through different formats and competitions.
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T20I Debut: September 8, 2012 vs England at Riverside Ground
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Last T20I: December 1, 2020 vs England at Newlands
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Test Debut: November 22, 2012 vs Australia at Adelaide Oval
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Last Test: February 4, 2021 vs Pakistan at Rawalpindi
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ODI Debut: January 18, 2011 vs India at Newlands
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Last ODI: July 6, 2019 vs Australia at Old Trafford
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IPL Debut: April 4, 2012 vs Mumbai Indians at Chepauk
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Most Recent IPL Match: May 24, 2025 vs Punjab Kings at Sawai Mansingh Stadium
Why Faf du Plessis Matters in Modern Cricket
So, what makes Faf du Plessis stand out among the many talented players of his era?
1. Consistency Across Formats
Few players manage to maintain high averages across Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL. Faf has proven his adaptability and class everywhere.
2. Leadership Qualities
As South Africa’s captain, he brought calmness and integrity to the team during some of its most challenging years.
3. Fitness and Longevity
At 40, he’s still among the fittest cricketers in the IPL, setting an example for younger players.
4. Fielding Brilliance
Faf is not just about runs. His diving catches and athletic presence in the field often turn matches around.
5. Global Franchise Impact
From the IPL to T20 leagues around the world, Faf’s presence is a big draw for teams and fans alike.
Memorable Moments from Faf’s Career
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Adelaide 2012: His marathon innings of 110* against Australia saved a Test match and announced his arrival in international cricket.
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World Cup 2015 & 2019: His contributions in crunch games showed his ability to handle pressure.
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IPL 2021 Final: Playing a match-winning knock for CSK, Faf was instrumental in securing the title.
Legacy and Future
Even as international cricket has moved on, Faf du Plessis continues to dominate in T20 leagues. His experience, fitness, and cricketing brain ensure that he remains a valuable asset wherever he plays. Fans around the globe admire not just his stats but also his attitude—professional, humble, and fiercely competitive.
Also Read : Shikhar Dhawan Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Final Thoughts
Faf du Plessis’s cricketing journey is nothing short of inspiring. From his heroic debut to his role as a mentor for younger players, he has shown the world what true dedication looks like. With over 10,000 runs across formats and countless memorable innings, Faf’s name will forever be etched in cricketing history.
Whether you admire him for his batting, his fielding brilliance, or his leadership qualities, one thing is clear—Faf du Plessis is a legend who still has plenty to offer.
