Beleaguered Reeza already under pressure again as Proteas hunt early T20 series win

Just one game into his latest Proteas return, Reeza Hendricks already finds himself under pressure again following a single digit score in the 2nd T20 against India at the weekend.

The classy but enigmatic stroke-maker was out of favour for most of the domestic summer before a late resurgence - including scores of 77 and 101 for SA 'A' in Zimbabwe - saw him earn a recall as a squad player.

Thrust unexpectedly into the starting XI because of Quinton de Kock's hand injury, the 33-year-old started his innings brilliantly with a sublime drive for four before the wily Bhuvneshwar Kumar hit back with a fine delivery off an awkward length.

It was a difficult delivery to cope with though that doesn't translate into much mitigation for a player who invariably flatters to deceive.

Set the tone

Heinrich Klaasen's match-winning innings of 81, heralding his own international comeback, arguably puts even more pressure on Hendricks to deliver the goods.

READ | Klaasen goes guns blazing in positive Proteas contribution: 'If I get out, I'll do so my own way'

But Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma has full faith in his Lions teammate ahead of Tuesday's 3rd match in Visakhapatnam, where the visitors could secure an early series victory.

"Depth is something we've been building on consistently over the past few years," he said.

"Heinrich set the tone by grabbing his opportunity with both hands. He's a big player for us in the middle overs and we have to back him 100%. 

"A guy like Reeza at the top is also important for us. We know what he's capable of. Even with him there's a lot of belief and trust in his ability.

"Our batting unit is in a good place."

Statistically, Hendricks' haul of 1 053 T20I runs at a good strike rate of 122 more than justifies Bavuma's