Faf du Plessis Career Stats, Records and Format Breakdown
Faf du Plessis scored 18,998 runs across 306 career matches spanning Tests, ODIs and T20s — a body of work that places the South African among the most versatile batsmen of the modern era. A captain of nerve, a batter of substance, and one of the finest fielders the game has produced, du Plessis built his reputation on consistency under pressure.
Career at a Glance
| Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | Avg | SR | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 68 | 118 | 4,163 | 40.03 | 46.3 | 199 | 10 | 21 |
| ODI | 135 | 135 | 5,445 | 46.14 | 88.2 | 185 | 12 | 34 |
| T20 | 306 | 306 | 9,390 | 33.66 | 137.2 | 120* | 5 | 67 |
| Total | 509 | 559 | 18,998 | — | — | 199 | 27 | 122 |
Those 27 centuries and 122 half-centuries across formats tell the story of a batter who thrived regardless of the pace of the game. With 518 Test fours and 359 T20 sixes, du Plessis adapted his game to match whatever cricket demanded.
The Test Batter — Backbone of South Africa's Middle Order
Du Plessis averaged 40.03 across 68 Tests, anchoring the South African batting through some of its most turbulent years. His 10 Test centuries include a near-double-hundred of 199 — one short of a landmark that captures the fine margins that defined his career.
His record of 21 fifties alongside those 10 centuries demonstrates consistency rather than occasional brilliance. He faced 8,986 deliveries in Test cricket — the patience of a player who understood the value of occupying the crease. His 518 fours against just 21 sixes underline a style built on placement rather than power.
As captain, du Plessis led South Africa through a difficult transitional period, marshalling resources through retirements and administrative turmoil. He captained in 36 of his 68 Tests, winning 18 — a record that few Proteas skippers can match.
The ODI Accumulator — 46.14 at Nearly 90 Strike Rate
Du Plessis' ODI numbers stand out for their balance. An average of 46.14 at a strike rate of 88.2 across 135 matches represents the ideal modern ODI top-order profile — scoring quickly enough to maintain momentum, but reliably enough to anchor the innings.
His 12 ODI centuries include a career-best 185 — an innings that showcased his ability to shift gears across a long knock. With 493 fours and 61 sixes, du Plessis played ODI cricket as a craftsman first, power-hitter second.
His 34 fifties in the format speak to a player who rarely failed completely. Converting at a rate of roughly one century per three fifties, du Plessis was more reliable than explosive — but that 88.2 strike rate ensured he was never a drag on the scoreboard.
The T20 Franchise Giant — 9,390 Runs at 137 Strike Rate
It is in T20 cricket where du Plessis' longevity becomes truly remarkable. Across 306 matches — spanning the IPL, BBL, and international duty — he amassed 9,390 runs at a strike rate of 137.2.
His franchise career included prominent stints at Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and BBL clubs Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades. At CSK, he was part of title-winning campaigns; at RCB, he led as captain.
The 67 T20 fifties and 5 centuries — including a highest score of 120 — demonstrate that du Plessis maintained his effectiveness deep into his late thirties and beyond. His 855 fours and 359 sixes in the format reflect a batter who mixed classical stroke-play with modern aggression.
What the Numbers Show
Du Plessis belongs to a rare category of batsmen who averaged above 40 in Tests, above 45 in ODIs, and maintained a T20 strike rate above 135 — all while playing 500+ career matches. The combination of longevity and consistency across formats is matched by very few in cricket history.
His 279 dismissals in 306 T20 innings means he was dismissed roughly 91% of the time — yet still averaged 33.66 and struck at 137.2. In Test cricket, his 104 dismissals in 118 innings at 40.03 reflect a batter who rarely gave his wicket away cheaply.
The fielding dimension adds further value. Du Plessis is widely regarded as one of the finest slip fielders in South African cricket history, and his athletic boundary riding in T20s remained elite well into his career.
The Leadership Legacy
Du Plessis captained South Africa across all three formats during one of the most challenging periods in the nation's cricket history. He navigated political upheaval within Cricket South Africa, managed the post-AB de Villiers era, and kept the team competitive against the world's best.
His captaincy at RCB in the IPL brought a calm, tactical mind to a franchise known for emotional cricket. Under his leadership, the franchise found greater consistency, eventually laying the groundwork for their 2025 title.
Comparing Across Eras
Among South African batsmen, du Plessis sits alongside Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, and AB de Villiers as a multi-format great. While Kallis and de Villiers may claim higher peaks, few matched du Plessis for sustained output across T20 franchise leagues while maintaining international excellence.
His T20 tally of 9,390 runs places him among the all-time leading run-scorers in the format globally — a testament to the demand for his services across leagues worldwide.
FAQ
How many runs did Faf du Plessis score in his career?
Faf du Plessis scored 18,998 runs across 509 matches in all formats — 4,163 in Tests, 5,445 in ODIs, and 9,390 in T20s.
What is Faf du Plessis' highest score?
His highest score is 199 in Test cricket. In ODIs, he scored 185, and in T20s, his best is 120.
How many centuries did Faf du Plessis score?
Du Plessis scored 27 centuries across formats — 10 in Tests, 12 in ODIs, and 5 in T20s.
Which IPL teams did Faf du Plessis play for?
Du Plessis played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.