Cape Town - Proteas skipper AB de Villiers believes Faf du Plessis has the ability to become the best fielder in world cricket.

Du Plessis takes his fielding very seriously and according to the Volksblad newspaper former Proteas fielding-great Jonty Rhodes inspired him to become the best fielder in the world.

The 27-year-old Titans batsman has been a regular in the South African ODI line-up since before last year's World Cup in India.

Du Plessis has scored 316 runs at an average of 26.33, albeit with a healthy strike rate of 84.49. He is also a potentially useful leg-spinner which provides the Proteas with an extra dimension.

However, it is his recent fielding exploits that have had people talking. He ran out Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan in brilliant fashion with a direct hit in the last ODI in East London on Saturday.

And skipper De Villiers has backed his friend and team-mate to become a fielding great in the one-day game.

"He must be pretty close to being the best in the world at the moment.

"He hasn't actually done so many special things on the field, but it's around the corner, that I can promise you.

"He is a world-class fielder. He has always been a gifted player and I expect good things from him in the future," said De Villiers.