Odirile Modimokoane

Odirile “Odi” Modimokoane is one of the most exciting spin bowling talents in South Africa. A right-handed lower order batsman, Odi’s Slow Left-arm Orthodox spin bowling has had some of the best U19 players in the world in trouble. In his final year of school at Rustenburg High School, Odi is touted to be the next best finger spin bowler in South Africa. A junior star, he represented North West Province from U13 Level right through the U19 side in 2017, despite being just 16. He was selected for the South African U19 side to contest the 2020 ICC U19 World Cup in South Africa.

His outstanding form for the North West U19 & Cricket South Africa’s Talent Acceleration Programme sides in 2018-19 summer (39 wickets in 15 games @ 10.87) saw Odi selected in the South Africa U19 on 9 occasions in summer 2019-20. Odi had finished the Khaya Majola U19 National week as the leading wicket taker with 14 wickets at an average of 12.25. His rich form continued and was a standout in the Quadrangular series against New Zealand, India & Zimbabwe in the lead up to the World Cup, bagging 7 wickets @ 15.85 with a best of 4-24 against the New Zealand U19 side, taking 4 of the last 5 wickets to reduce them from 5-123 to 163 all out. He’d only make a couple of appearances at the World Cup but it was enough for him to earmarked as one to watch.

Odi moved to the Dolphins ahead of the 2021-22 season to press for an opportunity in Durban and promptly made his debut in the CSA Provincial T20 Cup in October 2021. His First Class debut followed the next month and whilst overall his game time has been limited, he picked up 12 FC wickets in his first 4 games, which was an impressive start.

Seeking his first trip to the UK, Odi will have UK batters in a tangle next summer and is a player with plenty of upward curve that can contribute with lower order runs as well.