South Africa Women’s all-rounder Dane van Niekerk surprised everyone on 25 August 2025 by announcing her decision to make a comeback to international cricket. She revoked her retirement and shared a statement on her social media platforms, expressing excitement about returning while also apologising to Cricket South Africa for the way she handled her retirement back in 2023.
Van Niekerk had announced her retirement in 2023 after being left out of the squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup, having failed a 2km time trial. But now, just ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, her comeback is a major boost for the Proteas.
Interestingly, on 25 August, a 20-player training camp began in Durban, and she has joined the camp after being invited to participate. Whether she makes the final World Cup squad will be known soon, with the announcement expected in the first week of September. On her inclusion in the camp, Proteas coach Mandla Mashimbyi said: “We’ve also brought in the likes of Luyanda and Dané to take a closer look at what they can contribute to the group in the near future.”
Earlier this year, Mashimbyi revealed that he had spoken to van Niekerk about a potential return, with the World Cup in mind. At the time, he said: “In terms of that (World Cup), she was not part of the plans initially, but you can never count anybody out. When the opportunity presents itself and she’s the one that’s available to make the team, or she’s fit enough to make the team, or she’s where she needs to be, then we can’t control that.”
Why Dane van Niekerk could be the perfect addition to South Africa’s World Cup XI
With the World Cup being played in sub-continent conditions and South Africa’s spin unit both inexperienced and inconsistent, van Niekerk’s experience of 107 ODIs could be invaluable. The leg-spinning all-rounder would also bring her leadership qualities, but all eyes will be on her fitness.
Current spin-bowling concerns for the Proteas
Van Niekerk’s career record speaks volumes: 107 ODIs (2,175 runs, 138 wickets), 86 T20Is (1,877 runs, 65 wickets), and one Test (22 runs, one wicket).
But the spin options currently available to Laura Wolvaardt’s side lack depth. In the Tri-nation series in Sri Lanka — eventually won by India — the spinners were Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Sune Luus, and Seshnie Naidu. In the recent three-match ODI series against West Indies, which South Africa won 2-1, the spin unit remained the same, barring Naidu.
Naidu, a leg-spinner, debuted in that tri-series but was not considered afterwards. Smit also debuted there, played two ODIs, and picked up just one wicket. Shangase has 16 ODIs under her belt, including nine in India, where she has taken six wickets.
At present, the only three spinners almost certain for World Cup selection are Mlaba, their first-choice, and all-rounders Luus and Tryon. But consistency has been their weakness. In Sri Lanka, both Mlaba and Tryon picked up six wickets each, though Tryon’s haul included a fifer in one match while Mlaba leaked runs at over six an over. Luus bowled 15 overs across the series and managed just one wicket. Against the West Indies, Tryon managed only one wicket in two innings, Shangase two in two, while Mlaba shone with seven wickets in three innings at an economy of 3.47.
Now, all these spinners are part of the ongoing camp. Yet the lack of variety is striking. Smit, Shangase, and Luus are right-arm off-spinners (Luus bowls some leg-breaks occasionally), while Mlaba and Tryon are left-arm orthodox. Van Niekerk, therefore, could add crucial variety with her leg-spin. Naidu is also in the camp, but van Niekerk’s experience gives her the edge.
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Her batting and record in India
Van Niekerk’s batting is another key factor. Whether in the middle or lower order, she can shift gears and provide stability. This support will free up players like Marizanne Kapp and Annerie Dercksen to play more aggressively.
Importantly, van Niekerk boasts a strong record in India. In 10 ODIs there, she has 14 wickets at an economy of 4.31, while averaging 39.33 with the bat for 236 runs.
In every respect, adding Dane van Niekerk to the World Cup squad seems a no-brainer. Her inclusion could change the equation entirely for the Proteas Women. But her fitness remains the decisive factor. If she proves her readiness despite nearly two years out of international action, she should be on that plane to India and Sri Lanka.
With the squad likely to feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Pakistan, that series could be the perfect platform for van Niekerk to prove her skills, fitness, and importance to the side.
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