Exclusive: Rubin Hermann on Proteas Call-Up, SA20 Breakthrough, and His Three-Format Dream

North West Dragons wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann has finally been rewarded for his consistent performances with the Potchefstroom-based franchise.

Hermann received his maiden call-up to represent South Africa in a T20 tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, set to be hosted in Harare later this month.

Fresh off their maiden ICC World Test Championship triumph, the Proteas are currently taking on Zimbabwe in a two-Test series, with the T20 International tri-series set to follow soon after.

Reward for consistency

World Test Championship-winning coach Shukri Conrad has also been entrusted with leading the T20I and One Day International sides after Rob Walter stepped down. 

Ahead of this tour, a host of young, promising talent have been given the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage.

Hermann has been one of the standout batters on the domestic front. Having led the way for most of the 2024 T20 Challenge season, his biggest breakthrough now comes after joining the Paarl Royals in the 2024 edition of the SA20.

“It was around six at night, and I was watching TV with my partner, and I got a call from an unknown number,” Hermann told SportsBoom.co.za.

“I just thought it’s a weird time for someone to be calling—it must be important. I answered, and it was probably one of the most important calls of my life.”

“It was team manager Volvo (Masubelele), and he told me my name was on the list for future tours and he wanted my details, shirt sizes, and numbers. I just thought that’s quite crazy, but he didn’t give a lot away.”

“Two days later, I got a call from the logistics manager asking where they should deliver my clothes, and I immediately thought it’s interesting they’re asking that when I’m supposedly just a probability.”

“I was hitting balls with my Northwest Dragons batting coach when my watch started buzzing non-stop with messages. Everyone was congratulating me. When I stopped to check my phone, I saw I had been called up.”

The step up to international cricket

Excited about stepping up to the highest level, Hermann praised the SA20 for helping him prepare for international cricket.

“I’ve had a taste of the SA20 and what it’s like to be part of that level. It’s close to international standard, especially when you’re rubbing shoulders with players like Joe Root and David Miller on your own team.”

“To be surrounded by them and see that you’re at that level gives you a tap on the shoulder—it tells you that you can perform there. Luckily, my performances were good enough to get the selectors’ attention.”

“It’s awesome to now compare myself at the international stage, not just in franchise cricket. It’ll be interesting to see how I develop working with top players and coaching staff. Hopefully, I can stay there for a long time.”

The impact of the SA20

The 28-year-old was impressive in his first season in South Africa’s premier cricket tournament, scoring 333 runs with three half centuries in nine matches for the Royals.

Hermann believes the competition has been vital for player development in the country.

“What the SA20 has done for us in terms of the cricketing space has been unbelievable. It’s been instrumental in bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket because the standard is so high."

“The lessons come in stages—you’re not thrown in the deep end like before, going straight from domestic to international level.”

“It bridges that gap. When you’re selected for the SA20 and perform, it gives exposure and a platform for local players to express themselves, and it has played a key role in giving us real opportunities.”

Future ambitions for other formats

Hermann has solid records in both List A and first-class cricket. He also recently represented South Africa A in a four-day match against India A and hopes this T20I call-up is only the beginning.

“I have an ambition to be an all three-format cricketer for the Proteas,” he continued.

“It’s something every cricketer dreams of, and I’ll be working hard on that. I’ve finally broken into one format—the T20 Internationals—and I want to use that as a platform to show I’m one of the top cricketers in the country and push for a spot in the ODI and Test teams.”

“I’ll definitely do my best to make the most of this opportunity and grow my dream of playing all three formats for South Africa.”