Wayne Parnell, Brendon McCullum, CSK and others post heartfelt wishes for Faf du Plessis after he steps down from captaincy

Letting go of something that you so dearly love and cherish is one of the most difficult things in life. That said, there comes a time when you do realize that you passed your sell-by date and perhaps it is the time to step down and let the next generation of leaders to take over.

On Tuesday, Faf du Plessis did exactly the same as he announced that he will be stepping back from the leadership duties to allow the next set of leaders to take South African cricket forward. Du Plessis may have endurer a pretty tough time as a leader in the past 12 months which includes a dismal World Cup campaign and back-to-back Test drubbing at the hands of Sri Lanka [0-2], India [0-3] and England [1-3]- two of which have come in South Africa. But despite that Du Plessis has a pretty good record as captain.

The former captain led South Africa in Tests, 39 ODIs and 40 T20Is, out of which he won 18, 28 and 25 respectively.

“The last few weeks of rest away from the game have given me a lot of perspective on the great privilege and honour I have had in representing and leading my country in the three formats of this wonderful game,” a statement released by Du Plessis read.

 “This was one of the toughest decisions to make, but I remain fully committed to supporting Quinton [De Kock, current captain], Mark (Boucher, the head coach) and my team-mates as we continue to rebuild and re-align as a group,” read his statement.

It has been the greatest honour of my life to lead my country. Read my full statement here: https://t.co/QVRrvQGLmO pic.twitter.com/d5qH9pQJ9d

— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) February 17, 2020

Wishes galore from around the world for Faf du Plessis

And so, ever since he announced his retirement, wishes galore for the former Proteas captain. Brendon McCullum and James Neesham congratulate du Plessis on Instagram while his former compatriot Wayne Parnell lauded him as a ‘true leader’.

“Congrats on your tenure as captain, you’ve been a true leader and one I’ve always looked up to, you’re like a duck on the field, always looking calm even when sh*t is going pear-shaped. You have definitely been an example of all that has played alongside you. @faf1307” tweeted Parnell.

Congrats on your tenure as captain, you’ve been a true leader and one I’ve always looked up to, you’re like a duck on the field, always looking calm even when sh*t is going pear shaped. You have definitely been an example for all that has played alongside you. @faf1307

— Wayne Parnell (@WayneParnell) February 17, 2020

Du Plessis has been named in the T20I and ODI squad against Australia after being rested for the white-ball Internationals against England. Another teammate of Du Plessis, Tabraiz Shamsi thanked him for all the lessons, advice and great times that the duo enjoyed together.

“Thanks for all the lessons, advice and great times together @faf1307 You have been such an inspiration!! #CaptainFantasic” tweeted Shamsi.

Thanks for all the lessons, advice and great times together @faf1307

You have been such an inspiration!!#CaptainFantasic 👑 pic.twitter.com/6XfBOCp60s

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) February 17, 2020

Du Plessis IPL franchise weren’t behind either as a fabulously cheeky message for Faf. “Champions carry on and Fafulously so. #WhistlePodu” tweeted CSK’s official handle.

Champions carry on and Fafulously so. #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/iXKIv8hC3X

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 17, 2020