All-rounder Senuran Muthusamy is expected to return to the field after a period of recovery over the winter. He previously had a memorable 2025/26 season, playing an important role with both bat and ball during the Proteas tours across the subcontinent.
In Pakistan, the 31-year-old athlete was named Player of the Series for his 11 wickets in the first Test, and later played a crucial innings, not falling short of a loss, scoring 89 runs in the second match. In the subsequent tour to India, he achieved even greater success, scoring his first Test century in the second Test in Guwahati, which was the only century scored by either team throughout the series.
After returning home, Muthusamy actively participated in the domestic championship, helping the Warriors team win the CSA T20 Challenge title, and Sunrisers Eastern Cape secure the third Betway SA20 trophy.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma looks ahead to the upcoming busy season for the men's and women's Proteas squads. Muthusamy's achievements, combined with his high work ethic, led him to secure a contract with Kent from the English Championship; however, this came with a complication: the left-arm spinner sustained a knee injury that prevented him from traveling to Canterbury.
Nevertheless, Muthusamy has made a full recovery and is ready to play, having been included in the South Africa 'A' squad to face Bangladesh this month. He told IOL Sport: 'I had a minor issue with my knee, meaning some knee injury. So I worked a lot on rehabilitation. We have a training camp with the South Africa 'A' team. We have two four-day matches against Bangladesh 'A' in Pretoria and Port Elizabeth. So I am just getting back into cricket and eagerly await the chance to play cricket again.'
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad will closely monitor Muthusamy's progress as he faces an extensive home international season ahead. The Proteas' title defense in the World Test Championship will be determined by three matches against Australia, two matches against Bangladesh, and three more matches against England.
Since Proteas has not played Test matches at home since being crowned World Test Champions last June, Muthusamy is very keen to participate, especially given the high level of competition among spinners. He noted: 'I think everyone is looking forward to the international matches in the summer season at home. We have many fantastic cricket lovers. The international pool in South Africa is really wide right now, and it is fantastic competition. It forces us to constantly improve. This is very good for South African cricket, and we are all trying our best. There is a lot to look forward to, and the guys are ready to go.'
