Bjorn Fortuin: Uncertain future with the Proteas
Bjorn Fortuin faces an uncertain future with the Proteas as he struggles to determine his position in the team lineup, despite the upcoming T20 World Cup where spin is expected to play a crucial role. Picture: Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix
Image: Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix
It’s been almost a year since left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin has played for his country, and the 30-year-old simply doesn’t know where he stands in the pecking order.
Since Fortuin last turned his arm over for the Proteas against Pakistan in Johannesburg in December, a number of other tweakers have been preferred.
The youngest of the lot is 23-year-old Nqaba Peter, who has already played 12 T20Is for the Proteas, and four of those came this year against Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and Australia.
Then, of course, there is the experienced duo of Keshav Maharaj and George Linde. Though Linde has just played 22 matches in the shortest format, he’s turned out in six T20Is this year alone.
Fortuin Uncertain About Future with Proteas: “I Don’t Know Where I Stand”
When asked about when he would play for the Proteas again, Fortuin was uncertain: “The honest answer is I don't know where I stand,” Fortuin told IOL in an exclusive interview.
“There have been quite a few players that have sort of represented the Proteas over the last few months and the last 12 to 18 months. Where I stand, I don't know. What the future holds, I know I go back to domestic cricket and try and emulate the performances that I put in last season, and hopefully something comes from it.
“But where I stand and how far away I am, I can't give a definitive answer.”
It’s no surprise that Fortuin feels this way, as he lost his CSA central contract ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
Spin to Play a Crucial Role in T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka
With the next T20 World Cup looming, to be held in February and March in India and Sri Lanka next year, Fortuin did fancy SA’s chances.
“I think the spin is going to play a massive role, seeing that a lot of it is taking place in India and Sri Lanka if I am not mistaken.
“So I think the spin is going to be a massive role from the start of the tournament all the way through to the end.
"The way that the Proteas are lining up, they look like quite a versatile side. It’s been a different mix of players and a different setup of team over the last six months than what we have been accustomed to. So going into the tournament is going to be vital with going in with momentum and knowing what your strongest team is at the time. And there is still plenty of time to figure that out."