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Former South Africa international and SA20 commentator Vernon Philander expressed his desire to see top active Indian players in SA20 naming Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah as his dream picks.
(From left) Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. (PTI Photo)
Indian cricketers are the biggest superstars of the game, with fans across the globe eager to watch them in action. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has traditionally restricted its players from participating in overseas leagues, keeping them exclusive to their cash-rich IPL.
Despite this, South Africa’s SA20 league, now in just its third year, has gained significant momentum. The recent participation of former Indian international Dinesh Karthik for the Paarl Royals signals a potential shift in this policy. Against this backdrop, former South Africa international and SA20 commentator Vernon Philander expressed his desire to see top active Indian players in SA20, naming Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah as his dream picks.
“Yeah, I think Suryakumar would be right up there. Jasprit Bumrah, without a shadow of a doubt. His skill set on these kinds of wickets would be phenomenal to watch in action. And then I think you want to see a guy like Kohli. I think, he’s built a massive name for himself over the last decade or so. And I think he’d be a wonderful attribute to the advert of SA20,” Philander stated enthusiastically in a select media interaction on the sidelines of the Qualifier 1 fixture between MI Cape Town and the Royals at the St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Tuesday.
Philander emphasised how inclusion of Indian players will significantly enhance SA20’s reach and add immense value to the tournament. Comparing SA20 to the globally dominant IPL, he acknowledged the standard set by the Indian league while expressing pride in SA20’s growing stature.
“The IPL has set the standard. I think that’s the bar. If you ask guys playing in the SA20, they’d say this league (SA20) is probably number two to the IPL. So, it’d be wonderful to have some of those Indian players,” he said.
Philander hailed Karthik’s arrival in SA20 as a positive development for the league and the growth of South African cricket. “Dinesh Karthik, he’s a wonderful athlete, he’s a wonderful professional. It’s great to have him over here,” he said.
He also praised Robin Uthappa’s involvement in the SA20 commentary team. “Also, for the first time, we’ve seen Robin Uthappa. You know, they joined us for a brief commentary.”
Philander emphasised the value of having seasoned Indian professionals in the league, pointing out the learning opportunity it presents for younger South African players. “Many of these guys, the youngsters especially, would learn a great deal from Karthik as well as Uthappa, having been a part of the IPL for a number of years. It’s important that we take the game forward from that point of view.”
He highlighted the potential long-term benefits of this exposure, predicting future opportunities for South African talent in the IPL. “I think a lot of these youngsters, like Lhuan-dre Pretorius, in years to come, might end up in one of these IPL teams. And you’d have learned a great deal and would have had great insight up front, learning from a guy like Dinesh Karthik, being in the same changing room as him.”
Acknowledging SA20’s rising stature, Philander said, “I think the standard of a league has really been set high, and hopefully, we’ll see this league continue from strength to strength.”
The former pacer also noted that the love for Indian cricket extends well beyond Indian borders, highlighting the excitement Indian players generate among South African fans.
“I’m sure, you know, [having Indian players] would sell-out crowds in South Africa because as much as we love our own cricket, we also love Indian cricket, and we love the IPL.”
Philander hoped that discussions would eventually lead to the inclusion of Indian stars in SA20. “Hopefully, that will be part of the talks in the future, you know, to have some of the bigger names come over and partake in this SA20. But, like I said, I think it’s a phenomenal league. I think it’s probably one of the better ones going around in terms of, you know, the cricket being played,” he said.
He praised the enthusiastic response from fans, noting packed stadiums from the very first match of the league. “To see the fans, the crowds, the stadiums being sold out from Game 1 — and I think also a lot of the crowds are starting to take off the home teams, which is incredible to see,” Philander remarked.
- Location :
Gqeberha (South Africa)
