Faf du Plessis continues to be one of cricket’s most inspiring warriors — combining longevity with elite performance in the T20 era. At 41 years and thriving, Du Plessis is not just playing franchise cricket — he’s rewriting the record books and breaking milestones once thought impossible. From surpassing legendary players’ records to notching yet another elite milestone in global T20 cricket, the South African stalwart is having one of the most remarkable twilight phases of his career. Here’s the latest comprehensive update on his form, achievements, world records, milestones, franchise movements, and future outlook.
Latest Headline Achievements (2025–26)
1. Du Plessis Breaks World Record — Surpasses Shoaib Malik
In the most recent historic achievement, Faf du Plessis created history by breaking Shoaib Malik’s world record for career T20 runs — becoming the oldest player to reach monumental marks in the format. He did this while featuring in SA20 for Johannesburg Super Kings, showcasing his longevity and timeless class even at 41 years old. DNA India+1 This recent performance wasn’t just about longevity — it was about rewriting the benchmark for consistent excellence in T20 cricket globally.
2. First South African to Cross 12,000 T20 Runs
Du Plessis has now officially surpassed 12,000 runs in T20 cricket — making him:
- The first South African to ever achieve this milestone
- One of only ten batters in the world to ever reach it in T20 history
He accomplished this feat with a 44-run knock against MI Cape Town in the SA20, underscoring his importance in the middle and late stages of his career. SportsTak. This landmark puts Du Plessis firmly in elite company globally and highlights several critical elements:
- Amazing fitness and longevity
- Consistent performance across domestic and franchise T20 leagues
- A batting repertoire adaptable to multiple conditions worldwide
3. MLC Record: First to Score Three T20 Centuries
Earlier in 2025, Du Plessis added another historic entry to his name in Major League Cricket (MLC), where he became the first player in MLC history to score three T20 centuries — including a 103 off 53 balls* for Texas Super Kings. NewsBytes
That performance did more than just show his class — it made him the first player in T20 history to score multiple hundreds after turning 40. NewsBytes
4. Surpassed Virat Kohli’s All-Time T20 Captain Run Record
Du Plessis also entered the record books by overtaking Virat Kohli’s record as the highest‐scoring captain in T20 history. Facebook
Historically, this is monumental because:
- Kohli had been one of the most prolific T20 scorers in the game
- Du Plessis’s achievement of this late in his career emphasizes his extraordinary consistency
This shows that even outside the international scene — in various domestic T20 leagues — Du Plessis’s impact remains world-class.
Career Overview & Recent Form
Despite being in his early 40s, Du Plessis’s form remains elite in T20 leagues and franchise cricket. According to his overall cricket profile:
- He has scored over 5,500 ODI runs and more than 1,500 T20I runs at solid averages.
- Earlier in his international career, he amassed an impressive array of centuries across formats, showcasing his adaptability.
His recent form in leagues like SA20, MLC, PSL, and previous IPL stints has proven that Du Plessis is no different from the younger top T20 batsmen — he consistently performs under pressure.
SA20 Season 2025–26
In SA20 2025–26, Du Plessis continues to score crucial runs for Johannesburg Super Kings, and his leadership on the field is as influential as ever.
Recent Franchise Movements
Opting Out of IPL 2026
One major career update: Du Plessis opted out of the IPL 2026 auction, choosing instead to focus on other leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) — a decision that surprised many fans and analysts.
This move reflects:
- A focus on workload management
- Strategic career choices in shorter T20 leagues
- A shift in global franchise priorities for senior batters
Career Records That Define His Legacy
Here’s where Faf du Plessis stands in terms of enduring legacy, on and off big stages:
International Milestones
- One of the few players in history to score centuries in all three formats (Test, ODI, T20I) as captain.
- Notable highest scores across formats, including 199 in Tests and 185 in ODIs.
Franchise Stardom
- IPL winner with Chennai Super Kings
- Leader and top performer in MLC and SA20 formats
- Franchise cricket record holder in multiple T20 categories, including captain runs and centuries
Consistent High Scorer
Across his T20 career spanning over 400+ matches, Du Plessis has built a reputation as a top scorer — whether playing under pressure or anchoring an innings.
Recent Stats and Trending Numbers
| Category | Notable Figure |
|---|---|
| T20 runs (career) | 12,000+ — first South African to achieve it |
| MLC centuries in a season | 3 — record in MLC history |
| T20 captain runs record | Surpassed Virat Kohli |
| T20 matches | 400+ career appearances |
What Experts & Fans Are Saying
Cricket analysts have highlighted Du Plessis’s transition from an international great to a global T20 trailblazer. His recent world records have sparked conversations like:
- “The greatest example of longevity in modern cricket”
- “A T20 maestro who improved with age”
- “A leader who adapts across formats and conditions”
Fans around the world have flooded social platforms with respect and admiration following his 12,000+ T20 runs milestone and world record-breaking achievements — especially considering his age and consistent high performance across domestic and international leagues.
What’s Next for Du Plessis?
Looking ahead, here’s where Faf’s journey could go:
PSL 2026
His move to the PSL is expected to be a headline storyline of the 2026 season, offering new rivalries and matchups.
SA20 Continuation
With JSK, Du Plessis remains a key batsman and leader, especially after hitting the 12,000 T20 run mark.
Coaching & Mentorship
Given his leadership skills and cricketing intelligence, a future role in coaching or T20 mentorship seems plausible.
SEO-Optimized Potential Headlines
- “Faf du Plessis Smashes T20 Records: First South African to Cross 12,000 Runs”
- “Faf du Plessis Breaks World Record at 41 — Latest Achievements & Stats”
- “Faf du Plessis: Historic MLC Centuries, Franchise Domination & Future Plans”
- “Du Plessis Overtakes Virat Kohli in T20 Captaincy Runs — Full Breakdown”
Final Thoughts
Faf du Plessis is proving that age is truly just a number in the modern era of cricket. Once known primarily for his international exploits, he has now firmly established himself as one of the greatest T20 performers of all time — vindicated by multiple world records and historic milestones. From becoming the first South African to cross 12,000 T20 runs to breaking world records for captaincy runs, and staying competitive across global leagues at 41, Du Plessis’s story is a masterclass in grit, technique, adaptability, and longevity. Whether you’re a cricket fan, a statistics enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration from sporting excellence, Faf du Plessis’s journey is one for the record books.
