Faf Du Plessis' Shares His Key Mantra For Maintaining Top-Level Performance At The Age Of 40

January 11, 2025: Faf du Plessis, the South African batter and captain of the Jo'Burg Super Kings (JSK), is gearing up to lead his team in the SA20 season 3 opener against MI Cape Town this Saturday. At 41 years old, du Plessis has defied the conventional expectations of age in cricket, maintaining top form both as a batter and an athlete.

In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, du Plessis shared his insights into how he stays at the top of his game. Reflecting on his evolving approach to batting and fitness, he explained, "You have to evolve. Batting, for me, has evolved in the last three years. I keep trying to improve my own game. And the same with the training aspect. It is not the same as what it used to be." This mindset has played a significant role in his recent success, as he has scored over 1,000 T20 runs in the past three years alone.

During this period, du Plessis has amassed 4,105 runs in 127 T20 innings at an average of 36.32, with a remarkable strike rate of over 151. He also hit four centuries and 32 fifties, and last year, he set a career-best with 1,502 runs, his highest-ever annual total, at an average of 35.76 and a strike rate of 155.80.

Beyond his batting, du Plessis has been dedicated to maintaining peak physical fitness. Acknowledging the differences in his body as he gets older, he has adopted a "smarter" approach to his training and recovery. "I understand my body better. In general, we have got a misconception that you have to do a lot to be at your fittest. I do not think that is the case. I am consistent with it, but I do not feel like I am doing more. It is about using your time better," he explained.

Du Plessis highlighted how, as he ages, his preparation has become more methodical. He now prioritizes things like stretching, ice baths, nutrition, and quality sleep, which help him recover and stay fit for the demands of T20 cricket. "When you are younger, you just go the next day. You do not stretch, you do not worry about things like that," he reflected. "Now stuff like ice baths and nutrition makes a difference. Hamstrings become a different beast, and you have to train them differently. Oh, and sleep. I cannot do what I did when I was younger, when I could go out a bit and come up the next morning and perform. That does not work at our age."

Du Plessis' philosophy revolves around the need to continuously evolve, both as a player and a person, in order to remain competitive in a fast-paced, physically demanding sport. "You have to evolve. But it is great. It drives me to look for the one percenters, to remain competitive and try and compete with the great athletes and the guys that are younger than me," he concluded.

As he leads JSK into the new season, du Plessis' commitment to evolving and adapting serves as an inspiring example of how cricketers can maintain peak performance well into their 40s.