Burger, the Psychology Student, Was Not keen on Cricket!

Nandre Burger wasn't interested in playing cricket. Instead, he wanted to focus on his studies. He had enrolled in university primarily for academics, where playing sports, particularly cricket, provided an opportunity for free education. Burger seized this opportunity.

At the University of the Witwatersrand, where he majored in Psychology, cricket wasn't even on his radar. The decision he made in 2014 turned out to be life-changing.

Now 28 years old, Burger has transformed into a significant fast bowler in South Africa. He has played cricket across three formats. He recently played for the Johannesburg Super Kings last month and made his debut as a protege bowler in the IPL earlier this week, representing the Rajasthan Royals.

At the age of 15, Burger participated in regional tennis championships based on his age. He also played in the South African Squash National Championship. However, a back injury redirected his focus towards cricket.

Burger says, "It's surprising to hear, isn't it?"

"Wits (the university) offers a full free scholarship to those who play cricket. I thought, why not take advantage of it? I didn't want to be a cricketer. But I had the opportunity for free education, so why not? Cricket has essentially served as a backup plan for my academics." (Laughs)

As a budding bowler, Burger had to take time off due to injury. At that time, university coach Neil Johnson thought Burger had the potential to become South Africa's future fast bowler. Burger was only 18 then.

However, Burger wasn't convinced at the time. He says, "I laughed it off. I bowl at only 125 kilometers per hour. I can't make a living out of it. I've seen boys bowling at 145 kilometers per hour."

Then came Burger's chance to bowl in the nets in Johannesburg. In the 2016-17 season, when he was about to complete his Psychology major with just six months left, he had to make a decision. He received an opportunity from the Cape Cobras franchise for the first time, and that's how Burger ventured into cricket.