Cricket News Today: Sachin Tendulkar to lead star-studded Indian Legends' squad, Steve Waugh praises Virat Kohli and more - 17th February 2020

#4 Faf du Plessis steps down as SA captain

Faf du Plessis

After stepping down from the ODI captaincy earlier, South Africa's Faf du Plessis relinquished the Test as well as T20I captaincy earlier today with immediate effect.

After losing the home Test series against England 1-3 along-with the T20I series 1-2, Du Plessis faced enormous pressure to keep his captaincy. Quinton de Kock, the new ODI captain, is almost certain to takeover in the rest of the formats as well.

CSA took to social media to make the announcement -

“Faf du Plessis has announced that he is stepping down from his role as captain of the Proteas’ Test and T20 teams effective immediately.

“The 35-year-old has cited a need to take a step back from captaincy in order to help facilitate the emergence of the next generation of leaders within the team under the new stewardship of Quinton de Kock.”

The 35-year-old has cited a need to take a step back from captaincy in order to help facilitate the emergence of the next generation of leaders within the team under the new stewardship of Quinton de Kock. pic.twitter.com/SXpQSAEGRO

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 17, 2020

“South African cricket has entered a new era. New leadership, new faces, new challenges and new strategies. I remain committed to play in all three formats of the game for now as a player and will offer my knowledge and time to the new leaders of the team." Du Plessis pic.twitter.com/UAZd6OqLmn

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 17, 2020

“When I took over the leadership, I did so with the commitment to lead, perform & most importantly, to serve. As the team heads into a new direction with new leaders and a young crop of players, I feel it will be in the best interests of SA cricket to relinquish the captaincy,” Faf du Plessis told CSA."

“I have strived to lead the team with dignity and authenticity during exhilarating highs and devastating lows. I have given my everything during my tenure."

Full article: Faf du Plessis steps down as South Africa captain with immediate effect