Reeza Hendricks is one of South Africa’s most consistent white-ball batters. Known for his elegant stroke play, calm presence, and sharp cricket brain, he has been a key player in both domestic and international cricket. His journey from local club games to representing South Africa is a story of skill, hard work, and determination.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Reeza Raphael Hendricks |
| Date of Birth | 14 August 1989 |
| Birthplace | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| ODI Debut | 5 August 2018 vs Sri Lanka |
| T20I Debut | 2014 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Lee-Ann Hendricks |
| Major Teams | Lions, Knights, Jozi Stars, Joburg Super Kings, South Africa National Team |
| Notable Achievements | ODI debut century, T20I century in 2024 |
Early Life and Family
Reeza Raphael Hendricks was born on 14 August 1989 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He grew up in a family that valued sports and supported his dream of becoming a cricketer. As a boy, he played cricket in his backyard, schools, and local clubs. His family encouraged him to join youth cricket programs, where he learned discipline, focus, and technique.
Even though he keeps his family details private, it is clear that their support has been a key part of his success. His upbringing in Johannesburg gave him access to competitive school cricket, which shaped his early skills.
Physical Stats and Playing Style
- Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Role: Opening batter
Reeza’s batting style is built on timing and placement rather than pure power. He has a smooth cover drive, can find gaps easily, and builds innings with patience. He is also quick between the wickets, turning singles into doubles and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Domestic Cricket Journey
Reeza began his professional cricket career with Griqualand West before moving to the Lions and Knights. In domestic competitions, he quickly gained attention for his consistent scoring and ability to handle pressure. His performances in the South African T20 Challenge and four-day games made him a regular pick for franchise cricket.
Over the years, he has played for teams like:
- Lions
- Knights
- Jozi Stars
- Joburg Super Kings
In franchise leagues, Reeza has often been among the top run-scorers, delivering crucial knocks in tight matches.
International Career
Reeza made his T20 International debut for South Africa in 2014. His big breakthrough came on 5 August 2018, when he made his One Day International debut against Sri Lanka and scored a stunning century. Becoming only the third South African to score a hundred on ODI debut, he instantly became a fan favorite.
His international highlights include:
- ODI debut century in 2018
- Match-winning knocks in bilateral series
- Maiden T20I century in December 2024 against Pakistan
By 2025, Reeza has become a reliable top-order batter for South Africa in white-ball cricket, often trusted to anchor the innings.
Batting Strengths
- Strong front-foot play and drives
- Ability to rotate strike under pressure
- Calm mindset in high-stakes matches
- Adaptability to both pace and spin
- Skill in building partnerships
These qualities make him valuable not only as a scorer but also as a partner who helps stabilize innings.
Challenges and Comebacks
Like many professional athletes, Reeza has faced form slumps and stiff competition for spots in the national team. There were times when he was left out of the squad, but he fought back through consistent domestic performances. His work ethic and positive mindset have kept his career on track.
Controversy
Reeza Hendricks is known for his professional conduct and clean image. He has stayed away from off-field drama and focuses on his performance. His controversy-free career has earned him respect among teammates and fans.
Personal Life
Reeza is married to Lee-Ann Hendricks. The couple keeps their relationship private, sharing only occasional glimpses with fans. Lee-Ann has been a strong supporter of his cricket journey, often attending matches and standing by him during challenging tours.
Records and Achievements
- Century on ODI debut for South Africa in 2018
- Maiden T20I century in 2024
- Multiple centuries and fifties in domestic T20 tournaments
- Consistent top-order performer in South African franchise cricket
- Played key roles in series wins for South Africa
Role in the Team (2025)
In 2025, Reeza serves as one of the senior batters in South Africa’s limited-overs setup. His role is to provide stability at the top, guide younger batters, and adapt his game to match situations. Whether setting a target or chasing, his composure makes him a dependable choice.
Personality and Fan Following
Reeza’s calm demeanor, focus on performance, and respectful nature have earned him a loyal fan base. Young cricketers look up to him as an example of patience, discipline, and perseverance.
Future Outlook
If he stays fit and continues scoring runs, Reeza is expected to play a major role in upcoming ICC events and domestic leagues. He also has the potential to mentor future batting stars in South African cricket.
