‘I received death threats’: Faf du Plessis recalls 2011 World Cup exit

South African batsman Faf du Plessis has revealed that he received death threats after South Africa lost their quarter final tie against New Zealand by 49 runs in the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo’s Cricket Monthly, Faf said his family was personally affected by the social media comments online.

“I received death threats after that [match]. My wife received death threats. We turned on social media and we were blown away. It became very personal. There were some very offensive things said that I won’t repeat,” du Plessis said.

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“It makes you introverted towards people and you put a shield up. All players go through this and it forces us to keep our circles very small. It’s why I’ve worked so hard on creating a safe space within our camp,” he added.

Proteas were bowled out for 172, while chasing 222-run target to qualify for the semi-finals. Faf came to the crease when South Africa were 121-4, but could only muster 36 runs as his side collapsed after losing star batsman Ab de Villiers for 35.