Exclusive: Delano Potgieter Fired Up for SA20 Season Four as All-Rounder Targets Proteas Future

South African all-rounder, Delano Potgieter, is excited to get the fourth season of the SA20 started with his new team, the Boland Park-based Paarl Royals. 

The 29-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder has high hopes for his future in international cricket, having recently returned from India with South Africa 'A'. 

SA20 Season Four

Last season, Potgieter donned the blue and gold colours of MI Cape Town, playing all 12 games as he played a pivotal role in helping the Cape Town-based side win its first-ever SA20 trophy.

Potgieter, with the bat, recorded some of the season's most explosive numbers in season three. 

He put together 172 runs in eight innings at an average of 86, including an impressive strike-rate of 168.62 and with the highest score of 44 not out. 

After being roped in for R2.5 Million in the auction in September, this season, the 29-year-old will head down to Boland Park to represent the Paarl Royals, which are mentored by Sri Lanka's great wicket-keeper batter Kumar Sangakkara.

Last season, the Paarl Royals narrowly missed out on making the SA20 final as they topped the log standings only to lose the first qualifier and the eliminator. 

Potgieter will undoubtedly boost the side's chances this season and told SportsBoom.co.za that he is excited to get the season started. 

"I’m really looking forward to the SA20. It’s a new season with a new team which is very exciting," Potgieter told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.  

"The tournament is always a lot of fun, and it’s a privilege to rub shoulders with some very experienced players."

"I’m excited to contribute in every way I can. I’m going into the SA20 by sticking to my strengths, trusting my skillset and adapting quickly to whatever conditions we get."

"The focus is to give my best in every role I’m asked to play and make sure I contribute whenever the team needs me."

Hopes for Proteas

The 29-year-old recently returned from India to play for South Africa 'A' in three unofficial One Day Internationals against what was a strong India 'A', which included Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma. 

The left-handed batter smashed 90 in his first outing in India, backing up the form he has been in this season in domestic cricket. 

Potgieter told SportsBoom.co.za that going to India was a highlight of his career thus far, as he has ambitions to play for the Proteas in the near future. 

"Going to India with the SA ‘A’ side was an incredible experience. It was everything I expected and even more," Potgieter told SportsBoom.co.za. 

"The cricket was highly competitive, and being in that environment definitely stands out as one of the highlights of my career so far."

"What made it even more special was that most of the guys in the squad are players I grew up playing with throughout my cricketing journey, so it felt very natural and comfortable in the change room."

"Overall, I’ve been fortunate to have a solid season with both bat and ball, and I just want to keep building on that momentum as we head into the last few four-day games and the remainder of the List A campaign."