He may not have played a competitive game of cricket since March 9, but Proteas batsman Matthew Breetzke has loved his time in the Indian Premier League even if it has meant he has become an expert drinks carrier.
Breetzke is on the books of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), having impressed with the Mzansi version of the Durban Super Giants earlier this year in the SA20.
The 26-year-old, who made 150 on his One-Day International (ODI) debut for the Proteas against New Zealand in February, has been forced to limit his learning in the IPL in a non-playing role so far.
Despite not making his IPL debut with the season nearing its May 25 conclusion, it has been a memorable experience for Breetzke.
Breetzke Reflects on IPL Journey: Challenges, Growth, and a Dream Come True
“It hasn’t been easy not playing and being away from home, especially when you’re not playing and you’re not sort of in the starting XI. You’re sort of training on the outskirts of the big grounds and stuff, so that does get tough,” Breetzke told SportsBoom.co.za.
“But in saying that, I’d 100% much rather be here than at home. I mean, the amount of stuff I’ve learned here in terms of my batting and just thinking about the game of cricket, that is something no one will be able to take away from me.”
“So, look, it’s been tough. It’s been a long time in India, a long time away from home. But in saying that, it’s been a great learning experience, and I hope I can take this experience and put it into my game.”
In fact, when Breetzke first found out he had been signed by LSG, he could barely believe the news.
“It’s always been a dream to play in the IPL. When I got that call, I was at my parents’ house, and I’d seen my name go up in the draft early in the day, and I went unsold. So, I didn’t think much of it. I thought, well, obviously I’m not going to get bought,” Breetzke said.
“And then the next thing you know, I started receiving phone calls from everyone and messages saying well done. So, I had to take a bit of time to sort of just gather my thoughts and go on to the livestream and see if it was actually true. When I saw that it was, it was one of the more special days in my career, to be honest. It was really special.”
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