SA call-up better than IPL contract - Hendricks

Beuran Hendricks, the Cobras left-arm seamer, has called his selection to South Africa's Twenty20 squad as "better than an IPL contract." Hendricks received his maiden call-up to the national side in that will play three matches against Australia next month and travel to the World T20 in Bangladesh and his excitement knew no bounds.

"I have been dreaming of playing for South Africa since I was nine years old, it's even more special because it's a World Cup year and I will cherish this forever," he said. It's been a busy month for Hendricks, who also secured a deal with the Kings XI Punjab. But he said putting on the green and gold trumps that. "It's even better than an IPL contract. I have been waiting for this since I started playing cricket."

Hendricks was picked on the back of an impressive domestic T20 campaign in which he claimed 28 scalps at an average of 10.28 to lead the wicket-taking charts. His hangman qualities were at their best at the death, an area South Africa have struggled in in the recent past.

Having played in the South African set-up for the first time last year, Hendricks is surprised by how quickly he has risen. "Sometimes when I look back at the 28 wickets I got, I ask myself how on earth I managed to get there," he said. "I think it was important to keep it simple and to keep calm."

But he has had guidance from a suitable source. Charl Langeveldt, who was also known for his ability to tie an end up and burgle wickets as a result, has helped Hendricks hone his trade. "I worked with Charl on my sills, adapting to pressure and sticking to the basics."

Hendricks also has the expertise of Vincent Barnes, former South Africa bowling coach and current High Performance Coach, to thank for his swift rise. "Vincent and Charl have been always been there for me. They have always tried to make sure I am on top of my game."

Hendricks will be the third left-arm seamer in South Africa's T20 squad, joining Wayne Parnell and Lonwabo Tsotsobe.