Faf du Plessis says he wants to make a Proteas comeback because of his burning desire to win a World Cup.

The 38-year-old retired from Test cricket two years ago, but remains available for ODI and T20I selection.

Du Plessis’ last ODI was against Australia at the 2019 World Cup in England and his last T20I against England in late 2020.

He was overlooked for both the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cup squads by the Proteas selectors despite excelling in T20 leagues around the world.

Du Plessis was the second-highest run-scorer in the recent SA20, with 369 at an average of 41.00 and a strike rate of 147.60, despite finishing the tournament with two ducks. Before that, he had hit 113* and 92.

“When I was captain [of the Proteas], there was a big drive for me to do something special, on and off the field,” Du Plessis told Rapport newspaper.

“The thing now will be to win a World Cup for South Africa. There is nothing bigger that anyone would want from us. That will be the only reason I come back. I want to win something.”

This year’s ODI World Cup will take place in India in October and November, with the next T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June 2024.

Du Plessis met with Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter in Cape Town three weeks ago to discuss a possible return to the national team.

“I wanted to know from Rob if I was really in their plans, because there are a lot of other guys who are also really good,” he said. “I think we can field a good team to push to win something. I’m still hungry to do it. That’s why I still play so much cricket.”

Du Plessis told Rapport he would be available to play T20I cricket for South Africa again in December.

“I planned my year as if I was only going to play in [franchise] leagues. I made commitments up to and including the Caribbean Premier League in September, but I haven’t made any league commitments after that.”