GC Viljoen, commonly known as Hardus Viljoen, is a talented cricket player hailing from South Africa. Born on March 6th, 1989, in Witbank, South Africa, Viljoen has gained recognition for his explosive pace, ability to bowl quickly, and his intimidating bouncers. Although his cricket journey has encountered ups and downs, Viljoen has remained a resilient and determined athlete.
Viljoen showcased his potential from an early stage in his career. He began playing for Eastern, a team in Benoni, during the 2010-2011 season. His impressive performances on the provincial three-day bowling charts earned him considerable attention. The Lions noticed his talent and promptly signed him, providing Viljoen with the opportunity to prove himself at a higher level. He found his home at the Wanderers cricket ground due to its fast and bouncy track, which ideally suited his style of play.
While Viljoen occasionally struggled with maintaining control over his deliveries, his strike rate remained commendable as his career progressed. The 2014-2015 season saw him secure the second spot on the first-class wicket-takers’ list, with an impressive 39 wickets at an average of 20.43. Despite considering a potential move to New Zealand to enhance his career, Viljoen opted to stay in South Africa, driven by his goal of representing his country. His determination and hard work paid off when he topped the domestic bowling charts in 2015-2016, capturing 47 wickets at an average of 23.02. Considering the injury-stricken state of the South African attack that season, Viljoen was the obvious choice to step up and make his Test debut against England in Johannesburg.
On his Test debut, Viljoen left a memorable impression. Opening the bowling on his home ground, he struck England captain Alastair Cook with his very first delivery and clinched a wicket. However, the match did not unfold as Viljoen would have hoped. With figures of 1 for 94, South Africa suffered a defeat, and Viljoen was not retained for the following match. Despite this setback, Viljoen’s determination remained unshaken, as he continued to develop his skills.
Viljoen’s cricketing journey took an unexpected turn when he decided to sign a county contract with Derbyshire, a decision influenced by the allure of a Kolpak contract. During his time at Derbyshire, he added new variations to his bowling repertoire, including the dipping slower yorker. These additions to his skill set proved beneficial when he transitioned into other cricketing formats, playing in various T20 leagues such as the PSL, CPL, IPL, and the T10.
In 2021, with the cancellation of Kolpak deals following the UK’s departure from the European Union, Viljoen had the opportunity to return to the South African domestic cricket scene. This marked a new chapter in his career, one in which he hopes to demonstrate his growth as a player and make a strong case for international selection once again.
