Faf du Plessis, a veteran South African Batter, is dominating the cricketing field, defying age and physics regarding performance quality. In terms of his off-field activities, the former Proteas captain has entered the literary world with his memoir, Faf Through Fire, which was published in India on Monday, May 15.
Du Plessis made his international debut in the third One-Day International against India in 2011, with a brave 60-run innings in a two-wicket defeat. He hasn’t looked back since, turning into a devoted South African while indulging in the advantages of franchise cricket.
Aside from his innovative and aggressive hitting at the top of the order, clubs admire the 38-year-old’s expertise and leadership. Du Plessis has mastered the art of developing team cultures and directing a team to victory, having held leadership positions at the junior, local, and international levels.
In his recently released autobiography, Faf Through Fire, du Plessis lays down the finer elements of leadership. He stated:
“As a captain, you wear many hats: you’re a player, a coach and, as your influence grows, a selector. You attend every bowling meeting and every batting meeting, and you are part of every fibre of the team’s being, without being a micromanager.”
Du Plessis went on to establish the fundamental qualities that he appreciates the most as a captain:
“In that sense, I was, almost fanatical about three of our core values: honesty, ownership and challenging each other from a place of authenticity. The second and third were added to the initial pillars of resilience, adaptability and honesty.”
Du Plessis is RCB’s captain for the second season in a row. On Thursday, May 18, he will be in action during the franchise’s final away game against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
“To me, the focus on the process in cricket is the same as in life” – Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis led South Africa in all three formats at a critical period in the country’s cricket history. Over his tenure of international career, he captained the Proteas in 36 Tests, 39 ODIs, and 40 T20Is, and became one of South Africa’s most successful skippers with a great winning percentage.
He wrote, drawing connections between the ideals of life and cricket:
I’m inherently process driven. To me, the focus on the process in cricket is the same as in life. You can’t always control what life throws at you, but you are in control of your process and values, and how you respond to them.”
The veteran cricketer explained by adding:
“Our emotions lead to thoughts. Those thoughts dictate our decisions, and our decisions determine our behaviour. By focusing on a process, we can be deliberate in living the values that lead to the types of behaviour we need.to-achieve(the desired outcome.
Faf du Plessis’ book, Faf Through Fire, was released in India on Monday, May 15. It is accessible in bookshops and on major e-commerce sites around the country.