Exclusive: Matthew Breetzke Reflects on Dream IPL Call-Up and Tough Wait for Debut

Proteas young batter Matthew Breetzke is learning in heaps in his first season in the ongoing Indian Premier League where he is part of the Lucknow Super Giants set-up.

The dream of playing in the IPL

The Indian Premier League has captivated the hearts of young boys and girls all around the world with the glitz of the tournament and the pure entertainment that it provides.

As a result, young cricketers around the world dream to be a part of the tournament, and South Africa's young batter Matthew Breetzke is no exception.

Born in 1998, Breetzke was barely 10 years old when the inaugural season of the IPL was staged, and since then, the desire to play in the IPL has been there. 

Breetzke finally got his breakthrough when he was roped in by the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2024 auction. The youngster had impressed the franchise in the SA20 where he plays for Durban Super Giants which is the South African version of the Lucknow Super Giants.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.co.za, Breetzke described his involvement in the IPL as a dream come true.

"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 told SportsBoom.co.za. 

"And then 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."

Learning from the best

Breetzke holds the record for the highest individual score on One Day International debut, having smashed 150 on debut against New Zealand earlier this year. However, the top-order batter is still new to the highest level and has a lot to learn. 

Being in the Lucknow Super Giants set-up, Breetzke is exposed to quality batters including West Indies international Nicholas Pooran, Australian batter Mitchell Marsh and fellow South Africans Aiden Markram and David Miller.

The Super Giants have been involved in a number of exciting games this season, games in which Breetzke would not have experienced had he not been in the IPL.

"It's honestly been such an eye-opener. The crowds that are here and the way the Indian people support their cricket, it's amazing. I've learned a hell of a lot from guys like Pooran and even the local Indian batters, the way they go about their business, it's a different world."

"It's a tournament you don't ever not want to be a part of. I've enjoyed my time here. It's been an awesome learning curve. As you say, just to learn from the best in the world and see how they go about their businesses, hopefully, will help me in my career."

Sitting on the bench

All his career, Breetzke has almost always been one of the first names in the starting XI. Since arriving in India, the youngster is yet to get game time.

The batter told SportsBoom.co.za of his struggles in coming to terms with not playing and in the same breath emphasised his gratitude of being involved in the IPL.

"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," said Breetzke. 

"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."