Rory Keith Kleinveldt, a formidable all-rounder hailing from South Africa, is known for his burly physique and bustling style of play. While he did not fully realize his potential at the international level, Kleinveldt excelled domestically and in the county circuit, making a significant impact on the teams he represented.
Born into a cricketing family, with his uncle Johnny having played for the South African Cricket Board pre-unity in 1991, Kleinveldt was introduced to the game from a young age. His talent was evident when he represented South Africa’s Under-19 team in the 2002 World Cup, reaching the final. Following a stint with the South African Academy side, he swiftly rose through the ranks, making his first-class debut for Western Province in the 2002-03 season.
Impressive performances for the Cobras earned Kleinveldt a place in the South Africa A side that toured India in 2007, and he received his first call-up to the national one-day squad in October 2008. However, he did not make an appearance in that series and experienced a forgettable T20I debut, scoring only 3 runs and conceding 20 runs without taking a wicket. His struggles continued, leading to a two-year hiatus from international cricket, until he was given another opportunity at the 2010 World T20, which unfortunately yielded similar disappointing results.
Kleinveldt finally found a sustained run in the 2012-13 season, making his Test debut in Australia. Despite being part of a fearsome pace attack, which included Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander, Kleinveldt struggled to establish himself in the Test arena. Though he performed better in Adelaide and at home in Port Elizabeth against New Zealand, he found it challenging to secure a regular spot in the team.
In limited-overs cricket, Kleinveldt played 10 ODIs in the first seven months of 2013, but his middling performances resulted in him losing his place in the side. Undeterred, he continued to play as a senior stalwart for the Cobras, aiming to reclaim his position in the national team. However, he faced stiff competition from upcoming fast bowlers and fell behind in the pecking order.
In 2015, Kleinveldt decided to take a different path by signing with Northants in the English county circuit. He made an immediate impact, leading the team’s bowling attack in the County Championship with an impressive tally of 57 wickets from just 13 matches. He also played a crucial role in Northants’ T20 campaign, helping them reach Finals Day. During this time, Kleinveldt made it clear that he had no intentions of resuming his international career, expressing his desire to focus solely on domestic cricket.
Despite his commitment to Northants, Kleinveldt continued to play for the Cobras and rejoined Northants in 2016. He quickly became a beloved member of the team, showcasing his competitive edge and earning a reputation as a dangerous hitter. One of the highlights of his county career was a career-best performance of 9 for 65 on a green pitch at Northampton, which contributed to Northants’ unexpected promotion challenge in 2017.
After an eventful career, Kleinveldt made the decision to retire at the age of 35. Having taken 140 wickets for Northants and producing several impactful innings, he left a lasting impact on the team and their fans.
Rory Keith Kleinveldt’s journey in cricket may not have reached the heights expected at the international level, but his contributions to the sport, both domestically and in the county circuit, serve as a testament to his talent and determination on the field.
