I'm still keen and motivated to play in all three formats: Du Plessis

He might have relinquished his captaincy but former skipper Faf du Plessis believes he still has the "hunger and motivation" to play all three formats of the game for South Africa.

The 35-year-old batting mainstay has committed to continue playing for the Proteas in all formats in the 2020-21 season.

"I think I have a lot of value to add. I still love playing for the Proteas and I still see myself adding huge value. I am still extremely motivated and keen to play for the Proteas in all three formats, that doesn't change," Du Plessis said in a audio interview released by Cricket South Africa on Monday.

"The time away from the game has made sure that the hunger for the game is still there. The big thing for players is to really love what they do," he added.

Du Plessis handed over the captaincy in the limited overs format to Quinton de Kock before stepping down as Test skipper.

The South African stalwart said lack of cricket during the COVID-19 pandemic has helped him realise how much he missed the game.

"Like all I am not being allowed to go out but I did get time to get couple of things in my garage before the lockdown, which has kept me busy but looking forward to go out and do some training outside once the restrictions relaxes a bit," he said.

"The biggest reflection for me in this time of lockdown is grateful and gratitude of what I have."
"From there we went to India which I knew would be really tough as a team and for me as a leader as well. But I was really optimistic and was up for the fight. I knew the team needed me to be strong in that series. But the tour didn't go as well as we would have liked."