A couple of months ago, the Joburg Super Kings, one of the six SA20 franchises, announced that they had released opening batter Reeza Hendricks from their squad as the auction for the 2025 seasoned loomed.
One would have said that their decision to release the Proteas batter was warranted given that Hendricks had only recorded two half-centuries in two seasons in the yellow jersey of the Joburg Super Kings team.
Their decision was further reaffirmed when the 35-year-old toured the United Arab Emirates and recorded 9, 17 and 18 in three One Day Internationals against Afghanistan in Sharjah last month.
The fact that South Africa lost that series only made sure that Hendricks' shortcomings did not go unnoticed as the passionate South African fans looked for a figure to blame.
As it has happened many times in the past, Hendricks tends to be the perfect scapegoat, perhaps because of his laid-back character.
However, the stylish right-handed batter would take only a few days to turn his form around as he looked crisp in the two-match T20 International series against Ireland in Dubai a few days after the conclusion of the Afghanistan ODI series.
The opening batter smashed a half-century in each game, contributed to the team's victory and most importantly reminded those who had forgotten that he is a quality player, the best in the country.
Two days after those half-centuries, Hendricks had already returned to Johannesburg but had his sights set on the SA20 Auction down in Cape Town like the hundreds of hopeful players in the country and around the world.
MI Cape Town coach Robin Peterson, a man known for making calculated yet controversial signings, signalled that he had plans for Hendricks in Cape Town and backed his actions with a whooping R4.3 million cheque for the services of the batter.
In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Hendricks explained what went through his mind when he was released by Joburg Super Kings after two seasons with the Johannesburg-based team.
“A couple of months ago when Joburg Super Kings released me it was obviously disappointing,” Hendricks told SportsBoom.com.
“As I mentioned, it was disappointing getting released by Joburg Super Kings but such is life and such is sport,” he added.
The right-handed batter also explained what it meant for him when he learned that he was picked up by MI Cape Town and was the auction's most expensive signing.
“So, as they say, when one door closes another opens. I'm very grateful for this opportunity that's come my way so I'm definitely looking forward to it.”
“MI Cape Town looks like they have a strong team on paper so hopefully, the team can do some good things. Going there I will try to contribute as best as I possibly can and add some value to contribute to potentially getting into the final and lifting the trophy.”
“So, I'm happy and grateful for the opportunity and hopefully, we can do good things,” he added.
With the South African domestic season in full flow already, Hendricks will now be playing for his local team, the Lions, in the ongoing Cricket South Africa T20 Challenge.
Hendricks' availability will boost the Lions chances for success in the competition as they started the competition with a loss against the Pretoria-based Titans team despite being the defending champions having won the competition last season.
“Domestic cricket is up and running so I have gotten back straight into it. I will play in the competition, yes,” he said.
