Ruan de Swardt aims to bring "New Dynamic" to Dolphins

With the goal of playing more franchise cricket and fulfilling his dreams of higher honours, Ruan de Swardt has made the switch from the Titans to the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, writes Khalid Mohidin.

The 22-year-old all-rounder is an exceptional talent who is one of 13 players in history to have represented SA Schools in both rugby and cricket – He was also contracted with the Blue Bulls, and represented them at Craven week as a fly-half.

But with a difficult decision to make, the Affies boy chose cricket as his profession and managed to break into the Northerns and Titans setup.

Unfortunately, the youngster, despite having two incredible seasons at semi-pro level never managed to break into the Titans setup.

With the bat, he managed 292 runs in six matches with a century and two half-centuries (2018/19) and 427 runs in eight matches (with two centuries and two half-centuries (2019/20) in first-class cricket

With the ball, he took 10 wickets with a best of 4/43 (2018/19) and 9 wickets with a best of 2/14 in first-class cricket. A total economy rate of 2.83 in 14 matches.

His List A stats read as follows: 18 matches, 619 runs, 3 centuries, two half-centuries and 18 wickets at an economy of 4.31.

He was also picked up by the Paarl Rocks, in the second season of the Mzansi Super League, lifting the trophy with the boys in pink.

After fighting hard to get an opportunity in a star-studded Titans team, De Swardt has decided to move to Durban with the aim of earning more game time at a franchise level.

“I feel like I can get so much better opportunities at the Dolphins,” Ruan de Swardt said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

“With regards to the Titans, it’s always tough with all the Proteas guys going down and going up so you never know if you going to get a set place in the team. So I feel like it’s the best time for me to leave.

“The major reason I left is to get more game time. The more game time I get the more experience I get and the easier it will be to get higher honours.

“I’m excited to just play and settle in a new environment. The Dolphins have a good bunch of players so I’m excited to start my new adventure there.

“I’m also excited to play more franchise cricket because the more I play the quicker I can move up the pecking order with regards to higher honours.

“I’m looking forward to playing with Keshav (Maharaj), he’s an exceptional spin bowler and it will be a nice challenge to learn from him on how to play against spin. Also generally the way he thinks about the game is encouraging.”

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De Swardt has always been a hard worker and a player who has an infectious calm, yet competitive, mentality. This shows in his all-round ability. His unique qualities will definitely add an x-factor to the Dolphins squad.

“I aim to win as many games as I can for them. I aim to bring a new dynamic, I’m a unique player – where I can bat, bowl and field – there’s not a lot of them [all-rounders] in South Africa,” he said. “I’m keen to bring a sense of calmness, a new dynamic and a good vibe all around.

“I’d like to thank the Titans and Northerns for everything they have done for me while I was at school and after school (the last three years). I can not be more grateful for what they’ve done for me.”

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