Once upon a time, on October 9, 1983, Johannesburg witnessed the birth of a cricketing star, Farhaan Behardien.
Dubbed ‘Fudgie’ by fans and friends alike, he brought his right-handed batting prowess and right-arm medium bowling to international arenas.
Farhaan Behardien’s journey from the streets of Transvaal Province to the global stage saw him donning the South African jersey in ODIs and T20Is.
A pivotal moment came on January 10, 2017, when he ascended to captaincy for the T20I team against Sri Lanka, showcasing his all-rounder capabilities and leadership skills.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Early Beginnings: Born on October 9, 1983, in Johannesburg, Farhaan Behardien grew into a cricketing star known for his right-handed batting and right-arm medium bowling.
- Nickname: Affectionately dubbed 'Fudgie' by fans and friends, Behardien became a beloved figure in cricket.
- International Debut: His T20I debut came against India in 2012, quickly making a mark with a swift 20* off 11 balls.
- Leadership: In 2017, Behardien captained the South African T20I team, highlighting his leadership and all-rounder talents.
- Accolades: He was honored as the T20 Challenge Player of the Season by Cricket South Africa in May 2017.
- Domestic and Global Ventures: Behardien contributed significantly to teams like the Nashua Titans, Cape Town Blitz, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants.
- Retirement: Farhaan Behardien announced his retirement in December 2022, leaving a legacy of memorable performances.
Rising Star: Farhaan Behardien’s Early Strides
Farhaan Behardien took the cricket world by storm, making his mark in the 2004–05 season. With the Nashua Titans, he showcased his prowess as a right-handed batsman and a versatile bowler. Notably, his fielding skills stood out, adding to his all-round performance.
Global Ventures: Farhaan’s International Journey
In July 2009, Behardien’s talents took him to Australia with South Africa’s emerging squad for a thrilling three-week tour.
His knack for dramatic finishes shone brightly at the 2009 Hong Kong Sixes. There, he clinched victory for South Africa with a last-ball six against Hong Kong.
That same season, his skills enriched Bovey Tracey, not just on the field but also mentoring the under-13 side as a coach.
In 2012, Farhaan Behardien made his explosive T20I debut for South Africa against India. With the bat, he quickly racked up 20* off just 11 balls.
This stellar performance secured his spot in the squad for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20. Later, in 2014, he joined the South African ODI team, where he played a memorable innings of 65*.
Accolades and Achievements: Farhaan’s Rising Fame
Recognition for Behardien’s exceptional talent came in May 2017, when Cricket South Africa honored him as the T20 Challenge Player of the Season.
The following year, he continued to shine, earning a spot in the Titans team for the 2018–19 season.
His accomplishments grew as he joined the Titans’ squad for the Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy and hit a milestone 6,000 runs in first-class cricket.
New Horizons: Farhaan Behardien’s Continued Success
Behardien’s journey saw new heights in October 2018, with his inclusion in Cape Town Blitz’s squad for the Mzansi Super League’s inaugural T20 tournament.
He then brought his expertise to the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in September 2019. His evolving career path led him to Free State’s squad in April 2021, promising another exciting chapter in South African cricket.
Farhaan Behardien’s Graceful Exit
December 2022 saw Farhaan Behardien announce his retirement from international cricket. He took to Twitter, sharing a heartfelt retirement note, signaling the end of an era.
His decision marked the close of a remarkable chapter in cricket, leaving fans reminiscing about his unforgettable contributions to the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Farhaan Behardien make his T20I debut for South Africa?
Farhaan Behardien made his T20I debut for South Africa on January 10, 2012, against India, where he scored an impressive 20* from just 11 deliveries.
What leadership role did Farhaan Behardien hold in the South African cricket team?
Farhaan Behardien was named the captain of the South African T20I team for the series against Sri Lanka on January 10, 2017, demonstrating his leadership skills and all-rounder capabilities.
When did Farhaan Behardien announce his retirement from international cricket?
Farhaan Behardien announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2022, sharing a heartfelt note on Twitter to mark the end of his cricketing era.
