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Valli could be next Kallis in the making

Valli is a left-hander and is making a mark in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

South Africa have always throw up some good all-rounders, the best among them being Jacques Kallis. But with ‘King’ Kallis having called it a day, South Africa are facing a massive void, something which was evident in the first Test against Australia at the Centurion.

But they need not fret. If everything goes well and if the South Africa cricket set-up continues to follow its youth development programme, they might have a great all-rounder in the making in Yaseen Valli.

The South Africa Under-19s have unearthed a rare talent in Valli and the lad from Johannesburg is playing the part to perfection. Unlike, Kallis, he is a left-hander and is making a mark in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

“I obviously worked really hard coming into this tournament. I applied myself on hard work and following the process,” Valli said.

Valli is giving equal importance to both, his batting as well as his bowling. “I very much see myself as an all-rounder. Today I didn’t bowl as the need didn’t arise but I enjoy my bowling. I like to say I love doing both bowling and batting. I give equal importance to both,” said Valli, who is of Indian origin, but has no idea which part of India his roots can be traced back to.

“I have an India connection and they do categories me as Indian origin. I don’t know much about it how, where and which part of India,” he added.