Marco Jansen, one of the key absentees from South Africa's limited-overs squads for the upcoming series against Afghanistan and Ireland, has explained that his omission is part of a long-term plan designed for rest and recovery. The 24-year-old all-rounder has been navigating a packed schedule over the past few years, balancing international cricket with franchise commitments, including the physically demanding Indian Premier League (IPL).
While the break is primarily to aid Jansen’s physical recovery, it’s also focused on preserving his mental well-being. Currently, he is four weeks into a 12-week rehabilitation period.
Kagiso Rabada, another mainstay of the Proteas, has also been rested for the upcoming matches. Jansen shed light on the thinking behind the decision made by the Proteas management.
“The decision was made over a long period, taking into account how I feel mentally and physically, and what would be best for both me and the team,” Jansen shared in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com.
Since making his international debut in 2021, Jansen has established himself as a vital part of the South African team, while Rabada has been a fixture in the setup for a decade.
“I can only imagine how KG (Rabada) feels after playing non-stop for so long. For someone like him, a break would be hugely beneficial. The same goes for me, even though as a player, you always want to be out on the field,” Jansen said.
“This break is about getting the best out of each player over the next two years, while also ensuring we build the necessary strength along the way,” he added.