Kaplan recognised by his cricketing peers

When cricketer Gavin Kaplan made the difficult decision to leave Western Province for Boland two years ago, he was searching for one thing: opportunity. On the night of Thursday 16 July, that gamble paid off in spectacular fashion. 

This Jewish batsman was named the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Men’s Domestic Players’ Player of the Season after a stellar campaign in which he finished as the leading run scorer in South Africa’s four-day domestic competition. 

The award is one of the highest honours in domestic cricket because it is recognition from fellow players. 

Cricket commentator and broadcaster Barney Girnun says the accolade is particularly meaningful. “It was voted on by his peers. That makes it hugely significant. Presented at the CSA Awards, where all the Proteas were present, he was voted the best local player.” 

Girnun says Kaplan’s rise since leaving Cape Town for Paarl has been remarkable. “He went from Western Province to Boland and since he’s done that his career has really gone to another level. He was the leading run scorer in the four-day game in South Africa this year and has had a fantastic season.” 

Girnun says Kaplan’s success extends beyond the cricket field. “If there was a Jewish Sportsman of the Year in South Africa, he’d win it now for what he’s done,” he says. 

For Kaplan, the greatest reward isn’t the trophy itself but knowing it came from the players he competes against every week. “It’s really special to know that your peers and the people that see you every day and play against you on a daily or weekly basis think that you’re worthy of the award,” he says. “It’s always nice to get recognition from fellow players. To actually get recognised for an award like this is pretty cool.” 

The honour caps a journey that, at times, required patience. At Western Province, Kaplan found opportunities hard to come by. “There was a lot of competition for places, and I was in and out of the team. Well, more out of the team, to be honest. I was struggling to actually get game time.” 

Moving to Boland changed everything. “My game has really moved forward positively, and I think that’s from playing more games and being exposed more,” he says. “The best place to learn and improve is during games, and if you’re playing all the games in the season, your game is going to move forward if you’re doing the right things.” 

Looking back, Kaplan hopes this season will prove to be a turning point. “Hopefully it’ll be a season that I look back on that really kick-started my career,” he says. “It was definitely a season that I’m proud of and that I’ll look back on and cherish.” 

Even after receiving one of domestic cricket’s biggest honours, Kaplan remains grounded. His focus is on continuing to improve. “I’ve never really been a big one for goals,” he says. “It’s always been about pushing myself to see how good I can get. If my best is South Africa A, then great. If my best is the Proteas, then that’s also great. If it’s Boland, then that’s also great. It’s just about doing everything I can to become the best version of myself.”