Kallis is the most sought after South African

DELHI - Jacques Kallis is the most sought after cricketer of the South African fans gathered here at the Ferozeshah Kotla for their teams opening World Cup match against the West Indies Thursday.

A busload of supporters from the South African high commission thronged the refurbished stadium to root for their team. A few passionate fans have even travelled all the way from Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The fans were unanimous in naming Kallis as their favourite player.

“I hope Kallis fires in this match. I am really looking forward to see him at his best, he is a champion cricketer,” an excited Andre Hanekom, who is here as part of a 40-member group from Cape Town, told IANS.

“It is probably going to be his last World Cup and it will be great if he can sign off in style.”

Another cricket enthusiast was quick to draw a comparison between Kallis and India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.

“The Indians might not like it, but Kallis has got a slightly better batting average than Sachin. I am here to see him. Having said that, they both are greats of the game, said Kevin Oldfield from Johannesburg.

“If you look at it, the World Cup starts with this match. Until now, it was only the weaker teams playing the stronger ones.”

It is not only the fans who are rooting for one of the world’s best all-rounder, his skipper, too, is all praise for him.

“Kallis has been a pillar of the side for the last 15 years. It will be great to win the Cup for him,” Smith said.