Senuran Muthusamy, an all-rounder, has been called up to the South African 15-man squad for their two-Test tour of Bangladesh next month. He is one of three alternatives for a frontline spin.
The 30-year-old Muthusamy, who completed his final three Test matches in March 2023, now joins Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt as the team’s specialist slow-bowling alternatives.
Coach Shukri Conrad of South Africa stated, “We have three frontline spinners and they can all step up at any time they are needed.”
“This is a great chance for someone like Senuran, who has potential to make a mark with both bat and ball.”
Battery The only member of the team without a cap is Matthew Breetzke, who did tour the West Indies in June when South Africa prevailed 1-0 in a series hampered by weather.
Following a security evaluation, Cricket South Africa confirmed in a statement early on Monday that the tour will go.
Sheikh Hasina was removed from office last month as a result of violent riots in Bangladesh.
“A security assessment was recently conducted by CSA’s Operations Manager, Team Security Manager, Safety and Security Consultant, and a representative of the South African Cricketers’ Association,” stated CSA.
“CSA has given the series a go-ahead based on the recommendations made by the team post an in-loco inspection visit to Bangladesh.”
With the first test being held in Dhaka from October 21–25 and the second in Chattogram from October 29–November 2, Temba Bavuma will lead the team.
Squad: Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne. Temba Bavuma is the captain.
Some of the most gifted cricket players in the world have long called South Africa home. World-class players have been coming to the Proteas in large numbers, from the Jacques Kallis era to Kagiso Rabada’s current excellence. Senuran Muthusamy’s return to the national team, however, has drawn a lot of notice. Muthusamy’s comeback signifies a daring and well-thought-out move by South African cricket, even though he might not be as well-known as some of the country’s more notable players. This piece will examine the significance of his return, the effect it has on the squad, and what supporters and detractors might anticipate from him going ahead.
The Senuran Muthusamy Background
Let’s take a brief look at Muthusamy’s past before discussing why his return is a risky move. 2019 saw Muthusamy, a gifted all-rounder, make his Test debut for South Africa. Known for his steady batting abilities and slow left-arm orthodox bowling, he gained recognition as a versatile cricket player fast. Even though his first time with the national squad was short-lived, he displayed promising moments, especially in a difficult Test series in India.
Why Senuran Muthusamy Must be Back
Muthusamy’s reappearance is noteworthy for several reasons. First, his subcontinental playing background gives the South African team, which has always struggled on turning fields, more depth. His batting prowess bolsters the lower middle order, an area where South Africa has struggled recently, and his left-arm spin offers a tactical edge.
The Search for a Trustworthy All-Rounder in South Africa
Muthusamy’s return is primarily due to South Africa’s continuous need for a dependable all-around player. The squad has been in need of a player who can contribute with both bat and ball due to the departure of stars like Jacques Kallis and the inconsistent play of other younger prospects. Even though he’s yet to be well-known, Senuran Muthusamy could fill this gap if given the chance.
His Return to the National Squad Tour
Muthusamy’s decision to rejoin the national team wasn’t simple. He returned to domestic cricket and worked hard to improve his game after being cut from the team. His developing maturity as a player was evident in his performances in domestic events such as the CSA Four-Day Franchise Series. His efforts have not gone unappreciated, as selectors have once again expressed their belief in him by summoning him back to the national squad.
The Expected Role of Senuran Muthusamy
Senuran Muthusamy offers versatility to the club as an all-round player. Whether he scores important runs down the order or contributes crucial overs with the ball, his main responsibility will be to maintain balance. A reliable all-around player has long been lacking in South Africa, and Muthusamy’s combination of abilities may provide the club with the edge it needs to contend with the greatest teams in the world.
Enhancing the Department of Bowling
Fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje lead South Africa’s bowling attack, but the squad hasn’t yet had a reliable spin option in many situations, particularly when slower bowlers are preferred. In the middle overs of limited-overs formats or on spinning tracks in Test matches, Muthusamy’s ability to bowl tight lines and extract turn from the pitch is a game-changer. His left-arm spin is a welcome addition to the team’s bowling arsenal.
The Bat’s Contributions
Although Muthusamy’s bowling typically makes headlines, his bat skills are just as important. He’s already proven in Test cricket that he can compete with elite bowlers. He’s a hard player to write off because of his tenacity and willpower, especially under pressure. His batsmanship could give South Africa the lower-order steadiness it has been looking for.
The Obstacles Senuran Muthusamy Faces
Muthusamy’s return to the national team is just the beginning. The true test is securing his position within the squad. Since South Africa is rebuilding, there’s no lack of competitiveness, and every player is constantly being watched. Muthusamy must continue to demonstrate his worth if he is to be included in South Africa’s plans.
Handling the Pressure of Predictability
There will inevitably be pressure after his return. Both supporters and decision-makers will be watching closely to see if Muthusamy can live up to the anticipated all-around performances. This is a chance for a player who has experienced the highs and lows of playing cricket at the top level to demonstrate his worth.
The Value of Mental Sturdiness
As is well known, cricket is a mental game in addition to a physical one. How effectively Senuran Muthusamy can manage the demands of playing international cricket may be the secret to his success. Although he has previously demonstrated mental endurance, especially on his Test debut in India, the obstacles ahead will be much more formidable. If he wants to be successful in his second spell with the Proteas, he will need to maintain his mental toughness.
Disparities with Other World Cricket All-Rounders
Teams nowadays are constructed around their all-around players. In cricket, players such as Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shakib Al Hasan have established the standard for all-around proficiency. As Muthusamy tries to prove himself on the global scene, he will unavoidably be compared to these guys. He might not currently have the same recognition as these well-known celebrities, but in the upcoming years, he could develop into one of South Africa’s most important players.
In summary, a daring move with enormous potential
Senuran Muthusamy decision to rejoin the South African cricket squad is certainly audacious, but it could be very profitable. Muthusamy has the all-around skills and the drive to be a major player in South Africa’s future aspirations. It hasn’t been an easy road back to the top, but his perseverance and hard work have paid off. Senuran Muthusamy’s return is definitely something to watch, but only time will tell if he can live up to the expectations placed on him.