Hashim Amla: The Journey of ‘The Mighty Hash’ from Proteas Legend to Batting Coach
Hashim Amla, renowned for his elegant leg-side flick, was a key figure for the Proteas in Test and ODI cricket for over a decade. His calm demeanor and ability to anchor an innings made him one of South Africa’s most reliable batsmen.
Amla’s cricketing journey began to shine when he was named captain of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins during the 2004–2005 South African domestic season. He quickly made his mark by scoring four centuries in his first eight innings. His domestic success earned him a spot on the national team at just 21 years old, making him the first South African of Indian descent to play international cricket for the Proteas.
However, Amla’s early days in international cricket were challenging. He made his debut at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2004, but his technique came under scrutiny after he struggled in the 2004 series against England, scoring just 36 runs. Despite these setbacks, Amla worked tirelessly with the Dolphins, and in 2006, he made a stunning comeback. His 149-run innings against New Zealand at Newlands, Cape Town, was instrumental in helping South Africa secure a draw, silencing his critics.
Amla’s consistency earned him a national contract, and he became a cornerstone of the Proteas’ Test batting lineup. One of his most memorable achievements came during the Proteas’ tour of England, where he scored an unbeaten 311 at The Oval in 2012. This innings marked the highest-ever Test score by a South African and led the team to a commanding victory over England.
In August 2019, Amla retired from all forms of international cricket, and by 2020, he had stepped away from all forms of the game, transitioning into a coaching role.
In 2023, Amla was appointed as the batting coach of the DP World Lions. The 41-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Gauteng franchise, reuniting with his former coach, Russell Domingo, as he continues to share his vast knowledge and experience with the next generation of cricketers.
