Another Indian-origin cricketer and a by-product of the Chatsworth Cricket Academy, Jonathan Vandiar, who has been named in South Africa's 30-man World Cup squad, is being touted as 'the next big thing'
Another Indian-origin cricketer and a by-product of the Chatsworth Cricket Academy, Jonathan Vandiar, who has been named in South Africa's 30-man World Cup squad, is being touted as 'the next big thing'.
Chief selector Andrew Hudson is impressed by Vandiar, and expects the 20-year old to break into the national squad soon.
An attacking left-handed opening batsman, Vandiar first came into the limelight when he emerged as the leading run-scorer for South Africa at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. He is in line to make his International Twenty20 debut against India on January 9.
Vandiar, just like scores of other Indians, played his initial cricket in Chatsworth. Recently, he moved to Johannesburg to play for Highveld Lions. During the Champions League Twenty20, he scored a blistering 71 off just 45 balls to hand Mumbai Indians a huge upset in the opening fixture. "It was a dream come true to face the likes of Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan, and to score runs off them," Vandiar told MiD DAY. Indians in Durban are desperately hoping to see Vandiar join Hashim Amla as the second Indian-origin cricketer in South Africa's playing XI. "I was offered to play for Dolphins, but I moved to Lions because I wanted to live an independent life, away from my family who stay in Durban. Also, the Lions have given me a great platform.
"Growing up, I idolised Sachin Tendulkar just like thousands of Indians in Durban. I want to meet him properly. The reason I love him so much is his humility and hunger for runs. I also idolised Michael Bevan because I have a similar game," Vandiar, an explosive batsman, who strikes at over 150 for the Lions, added.
"My game is all about entertaining people. That's why I love Virender Sehwag and Adam Gilchrist. They always played to appease the crowds. I have been to India a few times. I was there to watch the Kings XI Punjab," he said. If Vandiar does play against India on January 9, it will be the biggest possible stage for the youngster to press his case for World Cup selection.
