Leg-spinner Imran Tahir might retire after next year’s World Cup, if South Africa win.

Tahir had not played ODI cricket since February prior to Sunday’s series opener against Zimbabwe, after being rested for August’s tour of Sri Lanka.

He relished a successful return, though, snaring two key wickets in triumph over the Zimbabweans – and remains in contention for a berth in South Africa’s World Cup squad.

‘It is a bit early for me to say anything. I am loving the game at the moment, but I will admit that if we win the World Cup, I will probably call it,’ said Tahir.

‘It’s too early to say but at the moment I am enjoying every opportunity that I get to play for South Africa. I am trying to go as long as I can. I want to make sure I enjoy my game and I give what the team requires from me.

‘I also don’t want to overstay in the team. I want to leave with respect.’

The 39-year-old played for Durham in the Vitality T20 Blast and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League earlier this year. He is joined by fellow spinners Tabrais Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj in the current ODI squad.

‘I have been playing cricket, so I haven’t been on a break. I played in England and the Caribbean. I have been playing the game which is very good for me,’ he added.

‘I would rather be playing than having a rest, which is why I am happy to come back and put the Proteas shirt on. It is an absolute privilege. I am looking forward to every match of this series.

‘It is nice to see the spinners coming up. Shamsi has done well and deserves to be where he is right now. I am looking forward to share my knowledge with him and with all the spinners that I will get to play with.

‘I always try to help spinners as much as I can wherever I play in the world. It is exciting that we have another mystery bowler in Shamsi and I look forward to playing with him, if we do play two spinners.’

Image: Gallo