Hashim Amla pulled out of the Cape Cobras squad for the remainder of the T20 Challenge to focus on getting his game ready for the upcoming World Cup.
Many fans would argue that Amla, who struggled to get runs in this tournament, should have tried to get his game back on track by getting some runs.
But I believe this was the perfect call for the 36-year-old.
As with all sports, the battle starts in the mind.
And over the years we’ve come to know Amla as a strong, determined character that doesn’t easily get nervous.
Getting into the right mental space will be key for him at the World Cup.
We all know he’s got the batting talent to perform on the international stage, but poor form can have a big mental impact on the player.
If Amla can overcome this demon, I believe we might just see the best of him in England.
At the age of retirement (36), I believe the World Cup will be Amla’s swansong.
Already pulling out of matches, it looks like he is at the stage of his career where he knows life off the field is more important than on it.
He will go down as one of the legends of the South African game and I really hope he will sign off in style possibly by helping his team to their first-ever World Cup trophy.