South African cricket, just like a coin, has two sides. It had a dark phase where the country was banned for their apartheid policy. Other world countries had veracious opinions about South Africa. They made their re-entry into cricket at the 1992 world cup. Ever since, it has produced some of the finest talents the cricket world has seen. As of August 2002, it has managed to stay in the top 5 of the test, ODI and t20 rankings. What would you make of a cricketer’s life in a country where cricket is a prominent sport. To know more, let's take a look at some of the cricketers who went from rags to riches or to put in better words- who went from nothing to something.
1. Jacques Kallis
This orthodox batsman and all-rounder is touted to be one of South Africa’s most successful cricketers. With a combined total of 24,868 runs in both test and ODI matches, he is considered a cricketing great along with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. Born in Cape Town, he played cricket at school and was spotted by his coach who further encouraged him to pursue it. He also has played in IPL and BBL on contracts. In 2022 he has a total figure of 70$ million net worth.
2. Graeme Smith
Born in Johannesburg to Scottish parents, the tall and charming left handed batsman debuted for SA in 2003. He became the fastest South African cricketer to reach 1000 Test runs. He is best known for his successful opening partnerships with Herschelle Gibbs.He also has the distinction of captaining a side in 100 Tests along the world record of the highest number of wins in test matches as a captain with 53 wins. In 2014, he announced his retirement from international cricket. Smith was also appointed as the Director of Cricket South Africa in 2019 which extended till 2022. His talent has fetched him the net worth of 30$ million.
3. Abraham Benjamin De Villiers
With a batting averages of 50.66 and 53.60, he is probably the only batsman who receives cheers when he is playing against India in India. ABD, Mr 360, Superman are just few of the many names his fans have given him. He is seen as an attacking batsman who plays a range of unconventional shots. Hailing from Walmbard, he had a comfortable and relaxing childhood. ABD not only plays all the shots, but plays other sports too including badminton, tennis and soccer. Surprisingly he is also an established singer and guitarist. The RCB stalwart has garnered a net worth of 21$ million.
4. Faf Du Plessis
Named as the South African Cricketer of the Year in 2019, he is considered one of the greatest fielders of all time and the best all-format batsmen of his era. The Pretorian attended school alongside fellow cricketers like ABD and Jacques Rudolph. He has also captained his country’s side in all the three formats as a full time captain from 2017. He still represents his country and also takes part in various leagues around the world. Today, the flamboyant batsman has an estimated net worth of 14$ million.
5. Dale Steyn
The real life example of having a dream and a desire to fulfil it, then nothing can stop you to become a world class player is Dale Steyn. He used to catch fish in Phalaborwa before coming into cricket and probably that's why he picks his wickets with precision, He has also been the fastest South African bowler to take 100 wickets. With all the multiple injuries he’s faced, every time he gives a comeback he is unbeatable. Such was his style of fast bowling at his career's zenith. The best of best batsmen were nervous about facing him. Steyn has a combined net worth of 12$ million.
6. Quinton De Kock
Quinton’s triumph in the One-Day and T-20 formats led to his selection for the South African team in 2012-2013. Impressed cricket agents noticed him as a potential talent while attending the King Edward VII School in Johannesburg. Despite the infamous controversies he's been part of his consistent cricket never fades. He is estimated to earned a net worth of around 11$ million.
7. Jonty Rhodes
The former South African batsman is widely regarded as one of the greatest fielders of all time. The Pietermaritzburg native is especially noted for his defensive fielding, particularly catching, ground fielding, and throwing from his most common position of backward point. Rhodes represented his national side in 52 Tests and 245 ODIs between 1992 and 2003. Currently his estimated net worth is said to be around 10$ million dollars.
8. Chris Morris
Chris Morris has established himself as a premier fast bowler in modern day cricket specifically in white- ball cricket over the years. The speedster also has proved his capabilities with the bat on multiple occasions down the order. His all-around skills helped him fetch a lucrative contract in the Indian Premier League as well. His IPL auction deal stood at a record INR 16.25 crores in 2020. The pacers net worth is 8.2$ million.
9. Jp Duminy
Duminy has played a total of 46 Tests, 199 ODIs and 81 T20 matches in his international career. He is a cape colored who was raised in the Western Cape. During the 2015 ICC world cup Duminy became the first South African to take a hat-trick in a World Cup match against Sri Lanka. Duminy played in the IPL in 2009 after the Mumbai Indians franchise acquired him for US$950,000. The all-rounder has a net worth of around 8$ million.
10. Kagiso Rabada
The 25-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best modern-day fast bowlers in the world. Rabada's stints in the Under-19 World Cup saw him catapulted into the Lions franchise. He is looked up to as the next bright star in future SA cricket. The young bowler has been consistently successful and has a net worth of 6$ million.
