Faf Du Plessis (Getty Images)
Faf Du Plessis (Getty Images)

Former South African captain Faf Du Plessis has revealed facing death threats after their heartbreaking loss in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand. South Africa, who started as one of the firm favourites to win their maiden World Cup, once again choked in the knockout stage after having the upper hand. Faf Du Plessis conceded that he read some unspeakable things dished out on him and his wife.

South Africa delivered a disciplined bowling performance in Dhaka that night as they restricted New Zealand to 221 after losing the toss. Jesse Ryder top-scored with 83, with Morne Morkel taking three wickets, while Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir chipped in with two each. The Proteas were in a comfortable spot at 108-2 until imploding and getting out for 172 eventually and facing elimination from the tournament.

Faf Du Plessis Claims Receiving Death Threats After The 2011 World Cup Knockout Loss Against New Zealand
Jacob Oram picked four wickets in that game. (Credits: Twitter)

Faf Du Plessis, who was the ninth batsman to fall in that game for 36, revealed tuning into social media and seeing death threats for him and his wife. The classy right-handed batsman stated that the words blew him away as it was quite personal and refused to go into detail.

“I received death threats after that [match]. My wife received death threats. We turned on social media and we were blown away. It became very personal. There were some very offensive things said that I won’t repeat,” Du Plessis said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo’s Cricket Monthly.

All players go through this and it forces us to keep our circles very small: Faf Du Plessis

Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis. Image Credits: Twitter

Faf Du Plessis claimed that such incidents force people to stay introverted and put a shield up, with the players wanting to keep their circles small. The veteran said that he has worked incredibly hard to create a safe space within their camp.

“It makes you introverted towards people and you put a shield up. All players go through this and it forces us to keep our circles very small. It’s why I’ve worked so hard on creating a safe space within our camp,” he added.

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