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Earlier this year, star South African women’s all-rounder Marizanne Kapp disclosed that she was thinking about retiring from international cricket. In addition to being a vital member of several franchise cricket leagues, Kapp is a significant performer for the South African side. Her wife Dane van Niekerk‘s T20 World Cup snub and the pressure of playing competitive cricket had taken a toll on her, making her consider retirement.
Enoch Nkwe, the CSA director of cricket, talked her out of the plan, nevertheless. The 34-year-old withdrew from the tri-series final against India for personal reasons, while van Niekerk was left off of the World Cup roster due to fitness concerns. As South Africa prepares for the forthcoming T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup, the right-handed batter will strive for a respectable return.
“I wished to retire earlier this year, but fortunately I was not granted one. I’m pleased I decided against it because I feel like I’m at the top of my career, Marizanne Kapp was quoted as saying.
“I spoke to the director of cricket, and he actually asked me to just hang on, think it through, [and] don’t make decisions too quickly.” “As I age, my performance improves. That’s why I’m retiring from international cricket after working for so long, especially now that I’m at my best. Playing for your country and in World Cups is a different level, even if I’ve enjoyed playing in all these levels. I’ve had such wonderful support from CSA in organising my tasks. I’ll play now for as long as I can help out,” she continued.
Being the regular captain of South Africa for a long time, Van Niekerk’s absence from the World Cup squad had many people surprised. She hasn’t played cricket internationally since 2021, and Cricket South Africa dropped her since she didn’t match their standards for fitness. The second women’s cricket couple to tie the wedding was Niekerk and Kapp, who wed in July 2018.
“It’s probably been my toughest couple of years; it’s not been easy,” said Kapp. “I’ve always loved to bat. However, I felt as though everyone was centred around my bowling and never mentioned my batting, which undermines one’s self-esteem. I had a different level of confidence in my own abilities after that massive knock, when I realised that I could handle this and didn’t need to prove myself.
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“Having battled with off-field issues, everything that transpired with Dane, and Covid, my faith has also played a significant role in it. I was in my room for a long time, getting back in touch with the Lord.”
India
