WPL 2023 | I Want To Find Myself, Enjoy Cricket Again: Dane van Niekerk

image-lewj1m2qNiekerk was not included in South Africa's World Cup squad [Twitter]

South Africa's Dane van Niekerk is back on the field with her stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023. Van Niekerk, who was snubbed by Cricket South Africa for the recently concluded ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023, is all ready to move beyond the past and rekindle her love for the game.

Van Niekerk, who last played an international match back in 2021, was purchased by RCB for INR 30 Lakhs in the first-ever WPL Auction in December. The all-rounder has played 107 ODIs, 86 T20Is and one Test for the Proteas Women between 2009-2021. 

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, the 29-year-old revealed that she is looking forward to finding her old self back in WPL 2023, and praised RCB management for their support thus far. 

Here's what van Niekerk said

"I think I'm at the right place to do just that [play without fear]; the management has been incredible - you know everyone has been incredible, the RCB setup has been incredible, 

You don't have to put any pressure on yourself, I'm not here to show everyone or anyone that I should have played the World Cup or I should have done this - the should have, would have, could have. At the end of the day, I want to find myself, enjoy cricket again."

Speaking about South African cricket, van Niekerk stated that their performance in the ICC WT20 WC 2023 was a sign of betterment and wished that cricket would grow from strength to strength. 

The leg-break bowler did not play in RCB's opening encounter on Sunday, but might be seen in action against Mumbai India tonight when both sides clash in Mumbai.