MEET THE ROOKIE: RONAN HERRMANN

Ronan Herrmann feels his time spent with the Joburg Super Kings during Betway SA20 Season 2 will only benefit his career moving forward.

Herrmann, 20, was picked up as JSK’s Season 2 Rookie and the youngster certainly made an impression during his time at the Wanderers.

The wicketkeeper-batter made his SA20 debut against MI Cape Town at the Bullring and proceeded to claim a smart diving catch to dismiss the dangerous Ryan Rickelton.

The youngster is hoping this will be the start of him following in the footsteps of his childhood hero - another wicketkeeper-batter that started his professional career at the Bullring - Quinton de Kock.

“I have always looked up to Quinton de Kock,” Hermann said. “Usually my number is No 12, just because of the style he plays. He is a wicketkeeper also.”

Being part of the JSK squad, Herrmann also had the opportunity to spend plenty of time with former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis.

The JSK’s skipper’s experience is immense and has always had the emotional intelligence to realise the importance of making young players feel comfortable in the dressing room, believing that it will only enhance their performances out in the middle.

“Obviously there are a lot of nerves. You don’t get many opportunities like this as a young player. It’s a great learning curve,” Herrmann said.

“Faf my captain, it was a great opportunity to learn from him. Not just on the cricket field, but also off the field too.”

ALSO READ: How did the Rookie Class of 2024 fare?

Du Plessis certainly hopes that Herrmann’s experience with JSK will be the kickstart to a successful professional career.

“Obviously someone like Ronan, he is still fresh, at the infancy stage of his career, the value of a tournament like this really kicks in,” Du Plessis said.

“The upside of this competition is amazing. I am hoping that he will see the benefits in his domestic season and hopefully next year in SA20.”