- Proteas and Lions top-ranker Risa Hendricks has learned how to handle the pain of being left out of last year’s T20 play 11 World Cup, despite his stellar form.
- Hendrix’s racing was rewarded last season when he won the Men’s T20 Player of the Year award at the Cricket South Africa Awards last week.
- Hendrix is hoping to have a little shout-out for the World Cup later this year, even though he’s only played one ODI this year.
Proteas and Lions top-ranker Risa Hendricks said his omission from last year’s T20 World Cup hurt, but he was able to process that pain in a positive way.
Being named T20 Player of the Year at the South African Cricket Awards on Friday in Midrand is sure to be a hit.
Hendricks got no match in last year’s T20 World Cup as the Proteas fumbled spectacularly at the back end of the tour, despite being in hot shape.
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His omission was a talking point throughout the tournament after former T20 skipper Themba Bafuma returned from injury.
Hendrix’s runs on Friday were rewarded, and he was reflecting on how and how he dealt with the pain of the omission.
“When you look back and think about it, it hurts when you think about it,” Hendrix said.
“This is life. That’s how it unfolded for me unfortunately. What I can do is control what I can do.
“Otherwise, other things are beyond my control. Deep down, I am thinking about it because I have tried it before.
“So, I deal with it a little bit better than I did in the past. That mindset helped me get through that, along with the support structure from my family.
“It helped me get over the disappointment and manage things a little bit better.”
Hendrix has felt the coldness of being left out before. During the 2019 World Cup, Aiden Markram outdid his runs and ended up having to stay home.
But he has remained productive in 50+ cricket for the Lions and hopes he can get a look at the 50+ before announcing his World Cup squad.
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Hendrix made his only ODI appearance of the Rob Walter era, when he made 52 in the third ODI against England at the Kimberley.
“I’d like to think so, at least,” Hendrix said.
“However, we don’t know what the turnout and selection will look like, but I would love to be involved there.
“There are two games to come, so if I can continue my good form, hopefully I can play.”
Australia will tour South Africa in August and September for the T20 (three matches) and ODI (five matches) series before the World Cup kicks off in India in October.