Proteas’ Seshnie’s life in a spin as third-youngest player at T20 World Cup

Proteas Women’s leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, just 18, says her call-up to the squad for the T20 Women's World Cup in United Arab Emirates was life-changing.

Naidu will be the third-youngest player at the tournament. Her standout performances in the junior ranks made her an ideal candidate to provide young blood for the senior squad, who will be hard-pressed to match their runner-up place in the Cape Town final of last year's tournament on home soil.

She has played for the South Africa Under-19s, SA Emerging team and the Dolphins before her 18th birthday. Naidu's senior breakthrough came after she impressed at the 2023 ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa, where she played five matches, taking five wickets at an average of 22.4.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt's combination kick off their tournament against the West Indies at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (12pm SA time).

Naidu said the World Cup call-up, coming shortly after her senior Proteas debut, has turned her life upside down.

“It’s a lot because my life changed overnight. Everyone wants an interview, but it’s exciting. Now that you are on a bigger stage you should expect it. It’s a great experience to talk to people and share my journey,” she said.

“I’ve always wanted to play for my country and the badge I wear is a big achievement and I’m enjoying every part of it.”

Growing up in Amanzimtoti, just south of Durban, Naidu was introduced to the sport where she seems set to make a big name for herself through Cricket South Africa's KFC Mini-Cricket programme when she was still at Athlone Park Primary.

“This is where my passion for cricket started. I started playing with the boys’ team and eventually was the first girl to captain the school’s first team,” she said in an interview with Cricexec.com.

“I am the youngest of three siblings and I live with my parents. My parents have been to every training session since primary school and continue to do so.

“When I was nine years old, coach Dinesha [Devnarain, the South Africa U-19 and Women’s National Academy head coach] changed my bowling action from pace to leg-spin. She informed me that I finished my action off as a leg-spinner, we had a discussion about this and she started working with me. I was inspired by Dinesha’s coaching methods and the way she played.”

Joining the national team has been a lifelong dream for Naidu — and the experience of being one of the youngest players at this World Cup will stand out as one of the defining moments of what seems sure to be a long career.

“Meeting my role models in this team has to be one of my career highlights. I enjoy that, because I used to look up to them from a young age, and now playing beside them has been a great experience.”

Naidu earned her first cap in the first T20 International of the Proteas' three-match tour against Pakistan last month, and played her part in South Africa's 10-run win. She did not bat and took her first wicket, of Sadaf Shamas, caught by Sune Luus, with figures of 1/25 in three overs. She also took a spectacular catch, à la Jonty Rhodes, to dismiss opener Muneeba Siddiqui off the bowling of Tumi Sekhukhune.

Everyone is excited, well prepared, and ready to play the World Cup. I think everyone is looking forward to it. I am looking forward to showcasing my talent, just making an impact in my bowling game and work on being a game-changer.

—  Seshnie Naidu

A useful lower order batter, she did not bat in the next two T20s either and went for 27 runs in two overs and 16 in one with the ball. There is plenty to learn at the level, but it was a decent introduction for someone so young.

“It was a bit nerve-racking, on the first day but also throughout the series. I started getting more relaxed and I focused on my skill. It was really good, and being part of the team was a great experience.

“The preparations I made before coming to the series gave me that confidence boost, to trust my skills and I had my team supporting and cheering me the whole time and it helped a lot.”

Naidu said the South Africans are fired-up to prove their run to last year's final was no one-off.

“Everyone is excited, well prepared, and ready to play the World Cup. I think everyone is looking forward to it.

“I am looking forward to showcasing my talent, just making an impact in my bowling game and work on being a game-changer.”

South Africa continue their Group B campaign on Monday against England, followed by matches against Scotland on Wednesday and Bangladesh next week Saturday.