When A 17-year-old Marco Jansen Impressed Virat Kohli In The Nets

image-lq0z1m1zMarco Jansen was the net bowler in the 2018 SA tour.(x.com)

In a rare and unforgettable net session on January 21, 2018, the Wanderers witnessed the extraordinary talents of the Jansen brothers, Marco and Duan, as they bowled their way into the hearts of Indian cricket stars, notably impressing the likes of Virat Kohli.

Summoned by India's head coach Ravi Shastri, the twins, aged just 17 at the time, were handed the new ball, a testament to their exceptional skills and despite not featuring in the Under-19 side of the local franchise, Highveld Lions, the left-arm seamers showcased remarkable accuracy and effectiveness in their deliveries.

Mitchell Johnson enthusiasts, the Jansen brothers' tall stature, impeccable seam positions, and high-arm actions caught the attention of the Indian batters, troubling even the most seasoned players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay, and Ajinkya Rahane. 

The Indian team management, including the bowling coach Bharat Arun at that time, showered them with praise for their outstanding performance.

The brothers' journey continued beyond that unforgettable day. Invited to subsequent net sessions, Marco and Duan left a lasting impression on Shastri and Kohli, earning themselves an opportunity to join Monday's session as well. 

The experience was nothing short of a dream come true, requiring them to skip school, with their father, Koos Jansen, taking a day off work to support his sons.

Marco Jansen's prowess was evident as he beat Kohli four times in the nets and added an extraordinary touch to their memorable day at The Wanderers. Later, a snapshot captured a momentous occasion – Marco, Duan, and Kohli clicked a picture together.

The Jansen brothers had previously bowled against the India 'A' team in 2017 when Rahul Dravid, then the coach, lauded their potential and encouraged them to strive for greater heights. Marco Jansen's cricketing journey progressed, with him making his test debut against India on December 26, 2021, after touring with South Africa's under-19 side in 2019.

After taking part in 11 Tests, 23 ODIs, and 3 T20Is so far, Marco Jansen has become a rising star. His IPL career began in 2021 with the Mumbai Indians. He then moved on to the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, where he is now a potent left-arm fast-medium bowler.

While Marco has made a mark on the international stage, his brother Duan, though yet to debut internationally, has played only a single IPL match. The day in 2018 at The Wanderers remains a pivotal moment, signalling the arrival of two promising talents, the Jansen brothers, onto the cricketing scene, leaving fans eager to witness their future exploits.