Proteas all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy: I can add value across all three disciplines

The spin bowling all-rounder made his international debut in the shortest format against New Zealand in the T20I tri-series in Harare on Wednesday and returned good figures of 1-19 in his four overs.

The 31-year-old also showed his versatility as he walked in at number four in the batting order, while he has scored some important runs at number six and seven for Pretoria Capitals in the domestic SA20.

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has already that the three spinners in Zimbabwe - Muthusamy, George Linde and Nqaba Peter - have the inside track of going to the global tournament in 2026 if they keep performing.

"I have played a fair bit of T20 cricket and I think I've had the opportunity to play at the Pretoria Capitals the last three seasons and that's helped my growth in the format," said Muthusamy.

"I think I can add value to the group and value across all three disciplines. So yeah, embracing the challenge and learning along the way."

Muthusamy has been capped in all three formats for the Proteas - has has also played in five Tests and two ODIs - but has spent plenty of time of the sidelines and carrying drinks in previous squads.

The left-arm spinner said the time working within the national squad structures has allowed him to grow as a player.

He added: "I think I've waited in line and waited for my turn, so I'm really enjoying the opportunities. I'm very grateful for them.

"I think I've had the opportunity to really be part of the squad and integrate the last few months, which has been fantastic, and to learn in different conditions.

"It's an awesome opportunity to grow and to learn and bounce ideas off and to be a part of the group and to add value where you can and to learn. So, I'm very grateful for the opportunity."

The Proteas will look to bounce back from a defeat to New Zealand when they take on hosts Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday.