Duan Jansen has credited his success on his Betway SA20 debut for Joburg Super Kings to his off-season move to the Titans.
The “other” Jansen, twin brother of star Proteas all-rounder Marco Jansen, has long possessed vast potential, having even played in the IPL for Mumbai Indians.
But unfortunately, the 25-year-old’s career had stagnated over the last couple of years at North West, while his brother Marco’s has skyrocketed with the Proteas. However, with Marco joining the Titans from the Warriors, Duan also sought a new challenge and moved across from Potchefstroom to Centurion at the beginning of the 2025/26 season.
The move has certainly reaped benefits, with Duan finding his mojo again by finishing as the leading wicket-taker for the Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge. It earned the lanky seamer a late call-up to JSK after initially being overlooked at the Season 4 auction. But, playing at his new domestic home ground, Centurion, Duan made an immediate impact with a haul of 4/23 to drive the Super Kings to a 22-run victory over the Pretoria Capitals.
“Moving from the North West to the Titans was a big move. It’s a massive franchise in South Africa so you obviously want to stand out,” Duan said.
“When I got my chance, I made sure to take my opportunity, and from then on, I’ve looked to improve and not become complacent. I will look to do the same for Joburg Super Kings by trying to be better in each game I play.”
Duan’s knowledge of playing his cricket at Centurion certainly came to the fore as he was able to exploit the bowler-friendly conditions.
“We were smiling as a bowling unit the second we realised we would get assistance from the track in the form of nip, bounce, and swing,” he said. “It was important for us to remain patient and calm and back our plans at a high-scoring ground.”
Jansen will have to be on the mark again on Tuesday when JSK face an in-form Durban’s Super Giants outfit at Kingsmead. Although DSG’s clash against MI Cape Town was abandoned on Sunday, there was sufficient time for their all-Kiwi opening pair of Devon Conway and Kane Williamson to make merry in the four overs they faced before the heavens opened.
Conway has taken a particular liking to left-arm seamers too, smashing his compatriot Trent Boult for consecutive sixes in the first over.
The New Zealand openers were also the foundation for DSG posting a highest-ever total at Newlands in the opening game. It will certainly be a test for the young Jansen to show that he has indeed turned the corner.
