Van Niekerk has been included in the Proteas’ training camp, which got underway in Durban on Monday, after spending the past two years in the international wilderness.

The 32-year-old has been out of the national set-up since 2023 after failing to meet the team’s fitness standards, which ultimately led to her retirement from international cricket. However, she continued playing in T20 leagues around the world while also carving out a role as an expert commentator.

Dané van Niekerk. Photo: Cricinfo

Van Niekerk is widely regarded as one of the finest women’s cricketers South Africa has ever produced, and her record speaks volumes. In 107 Women’s One-Day Internationals, she scored 2,175 runs at an average of 36.25, with a highest score of 102, while also claiming 138 wickets, with best figures of 5/17. In 86 Women’s T20 Internationals, she scored 1,877 runs with a top score of 90*, and took 65 wickets with a best of 4/17. She has also played a single Test, scoring 22 runs and taking one wicket.

Reflecting on her return, Van Niekerk said that after everything she has been through recently, she has found a new sense of purpose and is eager to contribute positively to the team again.

“It’s been two years, you know, and being out of the game, I just realised how much I miss it,” said Van Niekerk.“Seeing the success of the team makes you proud, and you want to be part of that. That’s really the main reason.

“Recently, I went through something quite traumatic in my family. My dad passed away, and it gave me a new ‘why’, a very strong one for me.

“It wasn’t easy – there were a lot of conversations that had to be had. But I think now is the right time. My ‘why’ is the most important thing, and I want to get back to contributing to this environment.”

She added that her return has been a process in the making, with many discussions between her and Cricket South Africa paving the way.

“I’m very excited. There were a lot of conversations around everything – it wasn’t just a sudden decision. It didn’t happen in a week; it’s been months of really reconnecting with the coach and CSA.

Dané van Niekerk. Photo: Cricinfo

“I’m just grateful for the openness from both parties, where we could speak honestly and let everything go. That’s what excites me most – with all these good conversations, I can just come back and enjoy cricket again.

“I want to give back, and I feel like I still have a lot to offer – whether it’s skills, knowledge, or experience. That’s the main thing for me now: really giving back.”

The Proteas’ camp in Durban concludes on Monday. The 13th ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November 2025.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs