"The man who has so many shirts, but can never seem to locate one" - Imari du Plessis, Virat Kohli lead wishes for Faf on 38th birthday
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis is celebrating his 38th birthday on Wednesday (July 13). The veteran batter, who was last seen in action during IPL 2022, is currently holidaying with his wife, Imari du Plessis.
Du Plessis is one of the most celebrated Proteas cricketers. He has led the nation from the front across formats and has taken the sport to newer heights in his country. His best has come in ODIs where he averages 47.47, with 12 centuries and 35 fifties.
Many cricketers and ardent fans took to social media to wish the Proteas legend a happy birthday.
Virat Kohli, who shared the dressing room with him at Royal Challengers Bangalore, took to his Instagram story to wish his teammate on his special day.
He wrote:
"Wishing you great grace, health & peace. Now and always. Happy birthday brother."
Robin Uthappa, who was teammates with du Plessis at Chennai Super Kings, took to Twitter to wish him on his birthday, writing:
"Sending warm birthday wishes to my brother @faf1307π€ Wish you the best always. Have a great year ahead. Lots of love!"
Sending warm birthday wishes to my brother @faf1307 π€ Wish you the best always. Have a great year ahead. Lots of love! https://t.co/j2yXO8z2Ah
Faf's wife Imari du Plessis penned a heartfelt note on Instagram for the celebrated cricketer:
"My Love. The man who has so many shirts, but can never seem to locate one. You have those things that are endearing about youβ¦ like a βdayβ perfume and a βnightβ perfume or the way you can make any conversation flirty - *blush, blush* or that you can never just be still."
She added:
"On a serious note though when I think of the many birthdays together - here is what I think is the most amazing quality about you - Your ability to see potential within others and your talent at drawing it out. I am who I am, because of how you saw me.
"You are an optimist and I thank my lucky stars every day. May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Happy Birthday @fafdup."
Here are some other birthday wishes for Faf du Plessis:
#FafDuPlessis
Once a superking , forever a π¦ ! wish you a very happy birthday @faf1307 π₯³π #FafDuPlessis https://t.co/73psXfDQMm
The Man who inspired me both on & off the field.
The Man who taught me how to handle failures.
The Man who made my childhood awesome.
The Man whom I have admired the most & the reason for my happiness.
Happy Birthday Idol @faf1307 β€οΈ
@faf1307 | #FafDuPlessis https://t.co/3IBjzP4HZL
Happy Birthday Faf Du Plessis β€οΈ
Streets will never forget this Adios ! https://t.co/byoU4r3FOs
Happy Birthday to one of the greatest cricketer and one of the humblest person to ever exist! Thank you, Faf du Plessis, for everything you have done for CSK. You're an absolute gem! We love you, @faf1307 and we'll always cherish the good days with youπ https://t.co/zQYsaI5UyH
Happy Birthday to a man who Can Change his Strike rate any time, anchor the inning well, Classy Shorts maker, Outstanding Captain, Treat to watch Fielder and humble human being @faf1307 Sir. May God always bless you with happiness, Success and Good health. #FafDuPlessis https://t.co/JymVxYcuZX
Happy Birthday to the cricket legend who take millions of heart of cricket lovers.Happy Birthday FAF DU PLESSIS
@faf1307 #cricketlovers https://t.co/CYzxl6MdoX
Happy Birthday to the forever Super King "Faf Du plessis". One of the most consistent overseas batters in the IPL and helped us win the 2018 and 2021 edition. His knocks in the 2018 Qualifier-1 and in 2021 Final will always be remembered.
@faf1307
#Superkingforever https://t.co/9KvS8HtU4W
#FafDuPlessis
Happy birthday fantabulous @faf1307 π
Love youπ!!!!!
The wall of chennai super kingsπ
Miss you fafπ
@ChennaiIPL @CSKFansOfficial https://t.co/yrl6RrV9TT
Happy FAFulous birthday to Our CSK Legend Faf Du Plessis π https://t.co/ZWpMVasS0N
First South African to score a century in all three formats.
First captain to score a day-night Test hundred.
Here's wishing the legend of South African cricket Faf Du Plessis a very Happy Birthdayβ¦β€οΈβ€οΈπππππͺπͺππ https://t.co/oTkXtQlcGJ
"I would like to see those experienced players in the side" - Morne Morkel calls for du Plessis' inclusion in T20 World Cup squad
Former South African pacer Morne Morkel, meanwhile, has urged selectors to include veteran batter Faf du Plessis in the Proteas' T20 World Cup squad.
While he last represented South Africa in the T20Is in 2020, the right-handed batter has been performing exceedingly well in franchise cricket. He had a spectacular run in IPL 2022, scoring 468 runs and leading the team from the front.
Speaking on ICC Digital last week, Morkel said:
"You want all your big-name players to play and Faf is still playing well at the age of 37. He is still playing well, moving well in the field and he has done exceptionally well for RCB (in the IPL). I would like to see those experienced players in the side.
"That is up to them (Cricket South Africa) to work out, but I am definitely a big fan of it."
Du Plessis, who has 1528 runs in 50 T20Is, will undoubtedly strengthen South Africa's batting line-up ahead of the marquee event.
It remains to be seen if the selectors will pick the former skipper as they chase the elusive title later this year in Australia.