ESA Gangat is at his happiest when he can bowl all day on a cricket field.
The batsmen don’t enjoy this situation, though, because the Grade 10 Pearson High learner is more than a handful as a left-arm spinner.
Although only 16, he was picked for the Eastern Province squad for Cricket South Africa’s U/19 week next month in Stellenbosch.
Esa feels EP will have a good tournament. “We have a well-balanced side and a few players who have experience at these tournaments.
“With the school exams coming to an end, I will pick up the intensity in training in preparation for the tournament,” he said. “It does get difficult to balance cricket and academics. I do realise education is important in the long run, so I try my best and make time for the books.”
Gangat is used to being one of the younger members of a cricket team. He won’t feel out of place as a 16-year-old in the U/19 team. From the age of 12 he started playing club cricket with players much older than him.
“It helped develop my game. I always try to absorb as much information from those who have more experience than me,” he explained.
The Gelvandale Cricket Club had a big influence on Esa’s cricket.
“I’ve been privileged to play alongside and against some experienced players.
“That has helped me gain valuable experience and knowledge.”
He was only four years old when he started playing cricket in the garage at home with his dad and brothers.
“We also went to watch matches at St George’s Park and cricket was on the television non-stop at home.
“I think that’s where my love for the game grew from,” Esa said.
He is in the side for his bowling but Esa feels he can also play a role with the bat.
“I’ve always believed I could bat but, due to my bowling success, I always played as a bowler. I work hard on my batting and want to develop into a genuine all-rounder,” he added.
It is not a surprise that the longer format of the game is Esa’s favourite.
“I like it because there are no restrictions on bowling spells, so I can bowl all day.”
Esa wants to represent his country on the cricket field one day.
“I do realise that my dream still requires a lot of hard work, training and perseverance.
“I would love to be a professional cricketer and play for the Proteas.”
The first step on that road is delivering the goods for EP in Stellenbosch.
The tournament will be played from December 15 to 18.
