Plessis is currently the captain of the Indian Premier League’s Royal Challengers Bangalore team
New Delhi, 18th April 2023: Penguin Random House India is proud to announce the acquisition and publication of the eagerly awaited autobiography of one of the finest cricketers of this generation and former Captain of the South African National Cricket team, Francois ‘Faf’ du Plessis. Titled, Faf Through Fire, this is a searingly honest account of the cricketer’s journey, revealing his struggles and triumphs, as well as his leadership skills and love for the game. Published under the Ebury Press imprint, this book is scheduled to hit the shelves in May end and is currently available for pre-order on major e-commerce websites selling books.
In this deeply introspective book, Faf takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, tracing his growth from a young man with a questionable moral compass outside of cricket to a respected and admired leader known for his integrity, values, and empathy for his teammates. He opens up about his experiences with influential leaders, such as Gary Kirsten, Stephen Fleming, Doc Moosajee, Graeme Smith, A.B. de Villiers, Owen Eastwood, Russell Domingo, Ottis Gibson and M.S. Dhoni, and the challenges he faced during his final years of international cricket, and his vision for the future of the sport.
Francois Faf Du Plessis, the cricketer and now author, says, ‘I am very excited about my book, Faf Through Fire, being launched in India. I have always felt at home here and I have been extremely blessed to receive immense support while playing in India over the years. I hope that the readers enjoy reading it as much as I loved sharing it.’
Faf Through Fire is far more than just a book about cricket. It is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that success is not just about winning on the field but also about growing as a person. It is a must-read for sports enthusiasts, aspiring leaders, and anyone seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Faf Through Fire was first published in South Africa last year in October by Flyleaf Publishing and Distribution.
Radhika Marwah, Executive Editor-Business, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Faf Du Plessis is a veritable cricketing legend. His exploits on the field are well-documented but this book provides into the human behind the giant. We are so proud to publish Faf Through Fire and share this inspiring and gritty life with people.’
Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Most of you would have seen Faf Du Plessis play and lead his team on the cricket field but few do you know the person behind the cricketer and what drives him? Faf Through Fire will answer all these questions and some more. I am proud to publish the book and welcome Faf Du Plessis to the Penguin Random House India family.’
About the author:
Francois ‘Faf’ du Plessis is a professional cricketer and former captain of the South African national cricket team. He is considered to be one of the best fielders in the game and among the best all-format batsmen of his era. He is also regarded as one of the most tactically astute and successful captains in all formats of modern cricket. Faf was named as the South African Cricketer of the Year in 2019. His Indian Premier League (IPL) career kicked off in 2012, when he played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He went on to play for CSK for four years, followed by two years with Rising Pune Supergiant, after which he returned to CSK for another four years. Faf became captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL in 2022 and was captain of Joburg Super Kings in the first edition of the SA20 league in 2023.
About Penguin Random House India:
Penguin Random House India publishes over 250 new titles every year and has an active backlist of over 3000 titles. With a strong fiction and non-fiction list, it publishes across every segment including biography, travel, business, politics, history, religion and philosophy, lifestyle, cookery, health and fitness, sports and leisure, visual books, and children’s books. The children’s titles are published under the Puffin imprint.
Penguin Random House India’s illustrious list includes Booker Prize-winning novels and winners of virtually every major literary prize, including the Nobel Prize, the Magsaysay Award, the Jnanpith Award, the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. Several of PRHI’s authors are also recipients of the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s highest civilian honours.
Penguin Random House India is also the exclusive distribution partner for several leading local and international publishing houses in India and the sub-continent.
