Marco Jansen should have been named the ‘Player of the Match’ in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I. The towering all-rounder was the standout bowler at Centurion, and despite Tilak Varma’s brilliant hundred, one could argue Jansen was the best batter of the match too.
Jansen: Unplayable with the ball
In a high-scoring game where 10.67 runs were conceded per over, Jansen stood out with an impressive economy rate of 7. He claimed the prized wicket of Sanju Samson with his first delivery and conceded only three boundaries—two in his opening overs and one in his final two overs. In the backend of the first innings, during the 17th and 20th overs, Jansen was virtually untouchable, giving away just 12 runs.
While Jansen has gained a reputation as a talented but inconsistent bowler, with an economy rate above 8 in T20s and over 9.5 in the IPL, he has proven his maturity in recent matches against India. In three games, he’s given away just 77 runs and taken 3 wickets, showcasing a marked improvement.
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Jansen’s Explosive Batting
After a remarkable bowling performance, Jansen showcased his destructive batting abilities. Known for his powerful hitting, he made headlines last year with a blistering knock against England in Mumbai. In the 3rd T20I at Centurion, with South Africa needing 78 runs from 4.1 overs, Jansen came to the crease and blasted the fastest-ever half-century against India, scoring an 18-ball fifty. His onslaught brought the Proteas closer to their daunting target, and he dismissed Ravi Bishnoi, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh in the process. If not for a timely DRS decision in the final over, Jansen could have snatched victory from India’s grasp.
Rs 10 Crore Likely at IPL 2025 Auction?
Given his all-round prowess, Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler, and Jansen’s former coach at Sunrisers Hyderabad, believe the young star could fetch Rs 10 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Jansen has all the qualities to become a sought-after player in the auction, similar to recent foreign all-rounders like Ben Stokes and Sam Curran, who garnered significant bids.
While Jansen had already proven himself as a capable bowler, it was his inconsistent batting that had affected his value. However, his recent explosive performances with the bat could see him attract multiple bidders at the auction in Jeddah later this month. If he continues his strong form in the 4th India vs South Africa T20I, the Rs 10 crore mark might not be out of reach.