Senuran Muthusamy says he’s grateful for a good run with the Proteas this season.
Since making his Test debut in 2019, the left-arm spinner has featured only sporadically for South Africa, playing eight Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is.
But the 2024-25 season proved to be a turning point. Muthusamy claimed 11 wickets and scored 106 runs to be named Player of the Series in South Africa’s 1-1 Test series draw in Pakistan. He then registered his maiden century (109) in the second Test against India to help the Proteas clinch a famous 2-0 series win.
“It has been an awesome year for me; it has been a great journey,” he told SportsBoom.co.za. “I am always grateful. Things happen at different stages and times for all of us, and I am thankful to get a good run of games for the Proteas over the last few months.
“To contribute to match-winning performances is awesome. Winning a Test match is not easy, and to do it in India and Pakistan is extra special. Hopefully, as a squad, we can continue to go from strength to strength.
“It was my second time in India,” Muthusamy added. “Going there in 2019 and getting absolutely hammered 3-0, and now returning this year and getting things right, was very fulfilling.
“We are in a really good space as a red-ball squad, and it shows on the field. The guys played awesome cricket throughout. Credit to the players and management – it was a team effort. The boys stood up in tough subcontinent conditions.”
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Despite limited faith from the outside, including scepticism from some former Proteas players ahead of the tour, Muthusamy said belief within the camp never wavered.
“We really didn’t take notice of what people were saying,” he said. “We know what lies inside our change room, and we know how good our players are. We won the World Test Championship and are the current holders of the mace.”
Muthusamy also paid tribute to his province after helping the EP Warriors win the T20 Challenge final against Boland.
“The Warriors haven’t won a trophy in a couple of years, and with the limited resources they’ve had, they have done a magnificent job,” he said.
Photo: Sameer Ali/Getty Images
