India favourites to win World Cup: Klusener

Lance Klusener talks to SUNDAY MiD DAY about his differences with Graeme Smith, the heartbreaking 1999 World Cup semis and his IPL fantasy

Lance Klusener talks to SUNDAY MiD DAY about his differences with Graeme Smith, the heartbreaking 1999 World Cup semis and his IPL fantasy

For most people who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s in this country, Lance 'Zulu' Klusener was a cult figure. He started his career as an express fast bowler who believed strongly in striking a batsman's head. This hostility in his approach to cricket came thanks to most of his childhood being spent among Zulu children on a sugar-cane farm. Later, he spent three years in the army.

His baseball-style back lift and big-hitting made him a household name in the late 1990s. These days, Klusener is a television and radio commentary.

SUNDAY MiD DAY caught up with him for an exclusive chat.

Excerpts:

Lance Klusener hits out during the 1999 World Cup. Pic/Getty Images

How was it like to start out in a team that had the likes of Malcolm Marshall, Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock and Clive Rice for Natal?
It is very important for youngsters to have experienced heads to lean on, guys they can learn from. I cherish every moment spent with them, especially the late Malcolm Marshall. He was an inspirational figure, just to be around him was awe-inspiring.

For me, it was essential to learn as much as possible from him and the other greats in the side. I realised that one day they would be gone, so I used to constantly ask questions. But it was equally important to have my own drive to succeed and not hang on to their success.

Why have SA stopped producing quality all-rounders like the 1990s?
I think it goes around in cycles. At the moment, we have one of the best-ever all-rounders in Jacques Kallis. But yes, it is not like the situation in the 90s when we had players batting at 10 or 11 capable of scoring hundreds. Currently, we still have decent spinning all-rounders. We are feeling the hurt of Albie Morkel not being in good form. Maybe in a few years we would have those quality all-rounders back.

Your fallout with Graeme Smith brought about an abrupt end to your career. He called you a "disruptive force" to the younger players in the side...
Yes, those were forgettable days. The press here was being bullish. I have come to respect him (Smith) a lot since then. We all have our ups and downs. He has learnt from mistakes. Everybody needs some time to settle in and improve. It's been really nice to see where he's going now. We have patched up now and are good mates. He has matured with age.

Would you call yourself fortunate to have played in the golden era of SA cricket?
Definitely, timing in cricket is everything. While growing up in the 70s and 80s we never aspired to play for South Africa. Suddenly, doors opened up in the early 90s. Guys like myself, Polly and Jonty were born in the right era ufffd we were lucky. So many great players never got the opportunity to showcase their talent.

As a child, how did you motivate yourself? Since SA was isolated...
There was never any lack of motivation. We aspired to play for our province. Playing for Natal against Transvaal meant the world.

Do you get annoyed when people remind you of the 1999 World Cup semi-final?
(Laughs) Not really. In fact, I remember going back to the dressing room to see everyone disheartened, shattered, almost as if life had ended in an instant. I actually told them - 'Look, guys it's just a game. Let's not let it affect us so much. These are the sort of experiences that we can learn from. There's no point in crying over spilt milk.' But I have no regrets.

Can you recall the infamous 1996 Kolkata Test, your Test debut...
I always dreamt of playing Test cricket, but playing your first in Calcutta is a dream come true. I was blessed to be able to play at the ground with the most vibrant crowds and such a rich culture of cricket. For me, halfway into my debut, it turned into a bad dream. My friend, Azhar (Mohd Azharuddin) smacked me all around Eden Gardens. I was wondering if it was a nightmare or reality. The atmosphere made it intimidating. However, I fought back to take 8-64 and we won the Test. That shows you how quickly fortunes can turn around. I might have never played enough Tests if I hadn't bowled that spell.u00a0

How did you react to the match-fixing saga in the early 2000s?
Obviously, it came as a big shock. At the time, none of us understood the implications of the allegations. Unfortunately, Hansie Cronje's weakness was played upon in the public. Luckily, we recovered quickly as a unit, under Shaun Pollock's captaincy.

Your predictions for the World Cup...
Firstly, it is a fantastic venue to play a big tournament. I miss playing in the subcontinent. India is the powerhouse of cricket. As a youngster, you'd love to play in front of big crowds, it adds to your confidence. I reckon India's chances are right up there. It is a fantastic opportunity for them to win it after 1983. Whether they can deliver under that sort of pressure remains to be seen, but the tools are there. Also, I have been impressed by them doing so well in South Africa. Sri Lanka come in as a close second favourites. They are probably the most determined bunch of players in the world.

South Africa are struggling at the moment. They will be better in subcontinent with spinning all-rounders. But, if Kallis is injured, it leaves a huge gap.u00a0 They will have to play out of their skins to bring the Cup home.

Many feel you would have been hot property in the IPL if you were around...
(Laughs) Maybe the timing of my retirement wasn't perfect. You can't get everything in life. I had a hit in the ICL, which actually gave birth to the IPL. I do wish I played in the IPL. It has been a godsend for cricket. It has skyrocketed careers of so many players. I am a massive fan of IPL. Maybe, I'll get involved in some way in the future.