Heinrich Klaasen wants to make most of comeback

Heinrich Klaasen wasn't originally selected for the Test series against India but he was the last minute replacement for the injured Rudi Second.

Published : Aug 30, 2019 18:19 IST , Thiruvananthapuram

Heinrich Klaasen during an interaction.
Heinrich Klaasen during an interaction.
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Heinrich Klaasen during an interaction.

A year ago playing cricket was a chore for Heinrich Klaasen. He wasn't enjoying the game and was confronted with self doubt with his confidence at its lowest ebb.

His form deserted him and he had more bad than good days on the cricket field. Klaasen's stint in the 2019 IPL was nothing noteworthy and the South African didn't find a place in the 2019 World Cup squad.

A man whose composure drew comparisons with former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, found his career at crossroads. However a chance to figure in the Global T20 Canada tournament changed his outlook and Klaasen was in love with the game again.

"The last one year was really tough for me. I was in and out of the team and my form wasn't great. I wasn't enjoying the game. Being to Canada, I had a couple of big conversations with some big players involved there and suddenly I started loving the game again," he said.

"Now I am not worried about selection or where I play and what I play.  As long as I am enjoying the game I am playing at this level I am happy," he said.

Klaasen wasn't originally selected for the Test series against India but he was the last minute replacement for the injured Rudi Second.

The 29-year old wants to seize this opportunity to cement a permanent place in the South African squad.

"The retirements have opened up a few places in the middle order. There is healthy competition but as I said I am not too worried. I will do the best I can in the one dayers against India-A and hopefully find a place in the Test team," he added.

Klaasen made a rapid 58 in the first one-day match against India A. He showed glimpses of his inventiveness that made him a dangerous player against spin bowling. 

On a two paced wicket, Klaasen was comfortable with the sweep shot, both conventional and reverse, and took the attack to the Indian spinners.

Having found his mojo, Klaasen can turnout to be the key player in the middle-order which South Africa is looking for.

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