Farhaan Behardien Speaks on the Struggles of Playing Alongside Legendary Players
Updated - 05 Sep 2018, 05:15 PM
Farhaan Behardien, perhaps, is the unluckiest cricketer to represent South Africa. He has always got the enormous potential in his kitty but was unfortunate to lose out a contract. A lot of his career years have been spent on the bench.
The stylish right-handed batsman had got enough call-ups to represent South Africa; and sadly, he barely got a chance to serve his side. In the end, Farhaan Benhardien was made the scapegoat during the selections and annual contract signing.
It’s tough to get a chance when you have great players – Farhan Behardien
The classy stroke player had played in the team when AB de Villiers, Amla, De Kock and Faf du Plessis were at their peak in their careers. Hardly, there would be no balls left for Behardien when these stalwarts were around.
Though there are initial hiccups, then there is JP Duminy and David Miller who are the sound names in South Africa cricket.
Perhaps, Farhaan was born in the wrong era. He could have made an astounding career if played at the top order.
“I have played in this team where you have Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers. When these four are batting really well, it’s very difficult to get 50, 60, 70 balls. You always come in when there are only 20 or 30 balls and you have to maximise. And then you have JP Duminy and David Miller as well. That’s why you don’t get a real chance to increase your average because you have to play for your team and set the score.
“Or, you are chasing a big score and you have to be hitting anyway. It’s tough, you know. For a period of time, I used to play 7. And when you are playing seven batters, you don’t play all-rounders, you play bowlers. It’s tough to manage that towards the end. Batting at 7 was challenging for me from a statistics point of view as well as results. I would love to bat (higher).”
It’s tough to lose South Africa contract – Farhan Behardien
Adding insult to the injury, the South African cricket board terminated his national contract as well. Despite giving his all in each game, he was often overlooked by the board, as he couldn’t up to his batting average.
“It’s tough,” he admits, as he opens up to Cricbuzz about the phase after losing his national contract. “To know that you are the best player but you are losing your national contract, it is tough. Fortunately, despite all that was happening, I still performed. That is very pleasing.”
However, there is an ample chance still left for Farhaan Behardien to make it back to the side. South African cricket is currently struggling with the lack of finishers which is something Behardien can try to grab.
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South Africa national cricket team
