Cricket
Exclusive: Senuran Muthusamy on Winning the Mace, Mastering the Subcontinent and His Best Season Yet
Proteas spinner Senuran Muthusamy had a standout season, winning the ICC Player of the Month award, securing historic wins in Pakistan and India, and a CSA T20 Challenge title. Despite doubts, the Proteas triumphed in India, showcasing their strength and unity as a team.
Pakistan v South Africa - 2nd Test: Day 4 by Sameer Ali | Getty Images
It has been a year to remember for Proteas spin bowler Senuran Muthusamy.
Since making his Test debut in 2019, the left-arm allrounder has featured only sporadically for South Africa, eight Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is. But the 2024/25 season marked a turning point.
Muthusamy capped off his most successful campaign yet with an ICC Player of the Month award, historic series victories in Pakistan and India, and a CSA T20 Challenge title with the Warriors.
“It has been an awesome year for me; it has been a great journey,” he reflected.
“I am always grateful. Things happen at different stages and times for all of us. I am thankful to get a good run of games for the Proteas in the last few months.”
“To contribute to match-winning performances is awesome. Winning a Test match is not easy, and to do it in India and Pakistan is extra special. Hopefully as a squad we can continue to go from strength to strength.”
Praise also went to his domestic franchise.
“The Warriors haven’t won a trophy in a couple of years. With the limited resources they’ve had, they have done a magnificent job.”
Beating the Odds in the Subcontinent
The Proteas achieved a feat 25 years in the making: a 2–0 Test series win over India in India, their first away triumph there since 2000.
“It was my second time in India,” Muthusamy said.
“Going there in 2019 and getting absolutely hammered 3–0, and now returning this year and getting things right was very fulfilling.
“We are in a really good space as a red-ball squad and it shows on the field. The guys played awesome cricket throughout. Credit to the players and management, it was a team effort. The boys stood up in tough subcontinent conditions.”
Ahead of the India series, public sentiment and predictions from former Proteas players offered little hope, including former Test captain Dean Elgar.
But inside the camp, belief never wavered.
“We really didn’t take notice of what people were saying,” said Muthusamy.
“We know what lies inside our changeroom and we know how good our players are. We won the World Test Championship and are the current holders of the Mace.”
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.