Faf: Through Fire

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His notes indicated that “leadership, relationships, and culture” were recurring themes and had the potential to add value to other people’s lives. When the idea of an autobiography was floated, du Plessis was reluctant because he felt like he did not have the inclination to write a book. However, Du Plessis clarifies that Boucher’s man-management style may have been different and incompatible with his own. His 110 not out off 376 balls to save a Test in Adelaide on debut is the best example of this, though he does remember a time when his calm exterior melted under the bright lights of centre stage.

Another important team practice that Du Plessis held dear was the “no cell phone” policy for a half-hour after a game. It gave the team time to connect with each other after a victory or a loss. In particular, it was vital to protect players from the abuse they would typically receive on social media if they did not perform on the day. Du Plessis understood the impact of social media on a player’s mental health after he, and his family, received death threats following South Africa’s loss to New Zealand in the quarter-final of the 2011 World Cup. Du Plessis featured in three series for South Africa after relinquishing the captaincy. The disappointment he experienced at seeing a number of rituals that were instated during his captaincy no longer being followed is evident in his writing.

But what appealed to me the most was his relationship dynamics with his parents and his wife- Imari and how much impact they have in his personality. He describes his relationship with AB de Villiers and other players in detail as well, in a very raw and honest way.

PDF / EPUB File Name: Faf_Through_Fire_-_Faf_Du_Plessis.pdf, Faf_Through_Fire_-_Faf_Du_Plessis.epub It’s quite possible that I was still part of Mark’s plans for the future, but he had an approach to leadership that didn’t include soft skills and relational interactions. I just didn’t know him well enough to understand or appreciate his style.” He also highlighted that his book isn’t just a reflection of numbers that he has achieved through the years. He wanted his fans to know what goes on inside in the minutest of details. He said, “The purpose of the book is that every story that I write in it has some sort of impact on the relationships in my life. Most importantly, the through line, right through the book is leadership. So even sometimes when a story seems like it's about someone, it's actually not really about someone; it's how I experienced it in my perspective."

Once he learned to accept this, he was able to find comfort in his own journey, one that took a lot longer to reach the apex of his sport. When that happens, your whole world stops," du Plessis says. "You're hit with this wave of pressure. It's like, 'Oh no, what's happening? What will the fans think? What will the media say?' You start worrying about the past and the future and forget the present.