Farhaan Behardien is an accomplished cricketer hailing from South Africa, known for his versatile skills as an allrounder. Despite being somewhat underrated at the international level, Behardien has carved a successful career as a flashy middle-order batsman and a handy medium pace-bowler. His ability to score runs with his wrist and bottom hand, his knack for taking pace off the ball while bowling, and his prowess in fielding, particularly in the point or cover region, have made him a valuable asset to any team.
Behardien’s rise to prominence began during the 2011-2012 season when he displayed remarkable performances in domestic limited-overs competitions. He boasted an impressive batting average of 45.66 and 66.60 in the 50-over and 20-over versions, respectively. His outstanding contributions earned him the title of South African T20 player of the year at the 2012 awards ceremony, which catapulted him into the national side.
Making his T20 debut in March 2012, Behardien was subsequently included in the squad for the World T20 in Sri Lanka later that year. His undeniable talent in the 50-over format was recognized, and he received his ODI call-up in January 2013. Initially making a greater impact in the 50-over version, he showcased his skills as a middle-order batsman along with his ability to bowl as a viable option. In his fourth match, he scored his first half-century, solidifying his place in the team. Although he was part of the 2013 Champions Trophy squad, he did not get an opportunity to play. It was during tours to Sri Lanka and Australia that he eventually established himself as a regular player.
Behardien often found himself struggling for consistency in a top-heavy line-up, which limited his opportunities to prove himself. Nonetheless, he seized the chances that came his way, switching between providing middle-order stability and taking on the finishing role. He faced tough competition to retain his spot, particularly in T20 cricket. Nevertheless, he was selected for the 2016 World T20 squad, albeit playing only one match as South Africa failed to progress past the group stages. In the same year, Behardien secured his first Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with the Kings XI Punjab.
In January 2017, Behardien was appointed as South Africa’s T20 captain for a three-match series against Sri Lanka. This honor was earned through his outstanding performances for the Titans in the domestic T20 tournament, where he finished as the third highest run-scorer.
Farhaan Behardien’s career as an international cricketer is a testament to his perseverance and skill on the field. Although considered an underrated player, his contributions have not gone unnoticed, with his performances in domestic competitions shining a light on his abilities. With numerous achievements under his belt and the determination to excel, Behardien continues to be a valuable asset to South African cricket.
