Veteran Reeza Hendricks eyeing Proteas future despite youth surge
Image: Backpagepix
Reeza Hendricks will celebrate his 36th birthday next month, but the veteran Proteas batter is not ready to fade quietly into the background just yet.
Named in the squad for the upcoming T20 Tri-Series in Harare, alongside fellow senior Rassie van der Dussen, Hendricks forms part of a transitional South African side that also features rising stars such as 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 22-year-old Dewald Brevis and 23-year-old Nqaba Peter.
It will be Conrad's first assignment since taking over as South Africa's all-format head coach following Rob Walter's resignation earlier this year. But with a youthful squad signalling a changing of the guard, questions inevitably arise about the role of experienced players like Hendricks moving forward.
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In an exclusive interview with Independent Media, Hendricks acknowledged the uncertainty.
'To date, I haven't had a proper conversation with (Conrad) as to what the plans are and how he sees me fit in the plans,' he said.
'There's a World Cup around the corner, and my aspirations would be to try to get to it. But I don't know what plans he has in mind and the players he's looking for.'
Despite the lack of clarity, Hendricks remains committed to his own path, stating he still feels fit, hungry and capable of contributing at the highest level.
Proteas Men's head coach Shukri Conrad has named a 14-player squad for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) tri-series against hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand, set to take place in Harare from 14 - 26 July.
Rassie van der Dussen will captain the side, which features four maiden… pic.twitter.com/4TCWkqlIKE — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 26, 2025
"I'm definitely in the latter part of my career now. But I do believe I can still play for quite a few more years, whether it be for the national team, domestic T20s, or whatever the case may be," he said.
'If everything goes according to plan – performances, body and all those types of things – I can push for another five years at least. You see guys playing to 40 nowadays. I don't know how old Faf (du Plessis) is – I think 41 – but I know it's doable.'
That longevity, however, depends largely on Hendricks maintaining peak physical condition. The right-hander has been hard at work on his fitness and training in preparation for what promises to be a challenging series in Zimbabwe.
'Age is not really on my side anymore. My main priority is to stay on top of my fitness level. That's what I've been doing — gym and all that — and then hitting balls and training in that regard these last couple of weeks,' he said.
Reeza Century Reactions!😱
The Proteas team shared their reactions to Reeza Hendricks first T20i century in last night's thrilling 7-wicket victory over Pakistan.🏏😮💨🤗
Safe to say they are just as stoked about it as he was!😁#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/VlOKWcbabc — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 14, 2024
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