Despite being plagued with suspect bowling actions throughout his International tenure, selectors persisted with off-spinner Johan Botha in their hunt to find a specialist spinner within the South African ranks.

Ever since his ODI debut against India in 2005 replacing Nicky Boje, Botha has primarily been a limited overs specialist. His middle-over spells to contain the opposition has seen him deployed for defensive than wicket-taking purposes. Like Boje, Botha also has proven himself as a handy batsman, evidenced in the 46 he notched against Australia in 2006 in a lost cause.

Keeping his place in the side since, his ability to don the thinking cap led to a few outings as stand-in captain for an injured Graeme Smith against Australia in 2009. He was then handed over the T20 captaincy after Smith’s resignation. In the 2010 tour to the Caribbean, Botha showed glimpses of his all-round ability in the second T20 when he scored 23 to salvage a late run-spree with David Miller and took 3 West Indian wickets to cap a win. Botha has been an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals since 2009 in the IPL, and has contributed extensively towards his team’s success. His ability as a pinch-hitter is an added advantage. He was picked by the Delhi Daredevils in 2013 for the sixth season.

In spite of little dominant displays on show, like many late bloomers, Botha has shown enough talent and thought through to fend competition and potential towards rewarding prior patience.