Batting all-rounder Patrick Kruger discusses cricket, fatherhood and his off-field life

With the SA20 tournament kicking off this December, Sunrisers Eastern Cape batting all-rounder Patrick Kruger is easing into the season with a mindset that’s equal parts hungry and grounded.

“I’m going into the tournament with a hungry but calm mindset,” he says, already sounding like a man who knows what he wants from the months ahead.

For him, it’s all about staying present, trusting the graft he’s already put in, and contributing wherever he can, whether that’s runs on the board, energy in the field or leadership in the cloakroom.

This season, Kruger is putting extra focus on “decision-making under pressure,” a skill he believes can shift the flow of any match.

Pressure moments in cricket can force quick calls, reading a bowler’s plan, choosing whether to take a risky run, or adjusting a field set-up in seconds. Making the right choice can steady the innings or keep momentum alive.

His pre-match rituals are straightforward and surprisingly peaceful. “A good coffee, music, visualisation and a moment to reset,” he says, a routine that keeps him grounded rather than hyped.

Away from the crease, Kruger is as relaxed as you’d expect from a man raised on good company and open spaces.

“I’m pretty chilled. I enjoy family time, braais with close friends, a round of golf here and there. It’s important to switch off from game time,” he says. 

The one song he hopes never leaks from his Spotify. “It’s probably an Afrikaans song,” he giggles. “Boerepompie is probably the one.” Bless him.

And the teammate he trusts the least with a road-trip playlist? “Probably JP King,” he admits. King, also with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, may be solid on the field, but according to Kruger, the man’s music selection is a gamble. If "Boerepompie" feels like the safer option … we can only imagine the chaos on JP’s aux.

But the biggest shift in Kruger’s life isn’t in cricket, it’s fatherhood. “It’s given me a different level of perspective,” he says. “Cricket is still my passion, but now everything I do feels bigger than just me.”

He adds, “I’m more grateful, more patient, and more motivated.” Any parent knows that moment when your daily effort, your hours, your grind, all start being about the little person watching you. That kind of shift softens you in the best possible way.

When asked about the moment that truly melted him this year, he responded, without hesitation, “Probably the first time my son recognised me walking through the door after a tour, arms stretched out with a big smile on his face. Moments like these hit deep.” 

Kruger is married to Bernelee, and yes, as he’ll proudly confirm, all Bernelees are cool. Marriage for him is the anchor in the chaos. 

“Having someone who understands the sacrifices, supports me on the tough days and celebrates the good days, everything feels balanced.” 

Looking ahead, he carries one hope for his child: that he grows up knowing dreams are worth the grind. “I want him to know that dreams require hard work, patience and resilience, but they’re worth chasing. And no matter what, never let fear be the reason for not trying.”

And with that, Kruger steps into SA20 with a full heart, a clearer mind, and a playlist he plans to guard with his life, especially from JP King.