Who is JJ Smuts? Know About His Relationships, Family, Career, Stats and More

JJ Smuts is a talented South African-born batting all-rounder known for his consistency, clean hitting, and useful left-arm spin. He represented South Africa in international cricket between 2017 and 2021, and impressed everyone with his versatile performances.

Over the years, Smuts also excelled in domestic cricket, winning several awards and building a reputation as a dependable match-winner. In 2026, he made a notable career shift by becoming eligible to represent Italy in international cricket. Smuts is currently playing his debut T20I World Cup matches for the Italy cricket team.

JJ Smuts Biography

The Italian cricketer, JJ Smuts, was born on September 21, 1988, in Grahamstown, Cape Province, South Africa. From a young age, he developed a strong interest in cricket and reportedly began playing seriously around the age of six. Growing up in South Africa, Smuts progressed through school and youth-level cricket, eventually representing regional teams at junior levels.

He made his debut for South Africa in 2017 and last represented the team in 2021, and later stepped away from the national setup. In 2026, Smuts transitioned to represent Italy, and his move marked a new chapter in Italy's cricket progress, as one of the best T20 batsmen in the world is a part of the team.

JJ Smuts Religion & Caste

JJ Smuts’ religion and caste details are not publicly disclosed. As a South African cricketer, he has kept his personal beliefs private, and there is no verified public information regarding his religious beliefs.

JJ Smuts Family

JJ Smuts' family has supported his long cricket career across domestic leagues and international matches. Despite spending much of the year traveling for cricket, he remains closely connected to his family. Smuts' family has always provided him encouragement and stability throughout his professional journey.

JJ Smuts Father

Neil Smuts is JJ Smuts’ father, who raised him in Grahamstown and encouraged his early interest in cricket. Neil often played with him and his brother, Kelly, during childhood. Neil’s support in Smuts’ passion for cricket helped him become a successful cricketer.

JJ Smuts Mother

JJ Smuts’ mother is Diane Smuts, and she has always encouraged him to pursue his passion for cricket from childhood. She brought him up in a balanced family environment that allowed him to pursue the sport passionately.

JJ Smuts Brother

Left-arm orthodox bowler Jon-Jon Trevor Smuts has a brother, Kelly Smuts, who is also involved in cricket. Kelly has played domestic cricket in South Africa, representing teams such as Eastern Province, and shares a strong sporting background.

JJ Smuts Instagram

On Instagram, JJ Smuts has an account which can be found under the handle @jjsmuts21, where he has more than 3.9k followers and has posted around 245 posts.

JJ Smuts Twitter

JJ Smuts' X [formerly Twitter] account is open to be connected by fans under the handle @JonJonSmuts21, where he has more than 1.4k followers.

JJ Smuts Jersey Number

JJ Smuts' jersey number is 21, and he is seen wearing this jersey number while playing in international cricket for South Africa and Italy.

JJ Smuts Relationship

JJ Smuts was in a private relationship with Judi Smuts, who later became his wife. Although she keeps her personal life private and thus, there is no other information available about his wife.

JJ Smuts Wife

Right-hand batter JJ Smuts wife is Judi Smuts, who belongs to Italian ancestry. Her heritage enabled both of them to obtain Italian citizenship, helping Smuts qualify to represent Italy internationally.

JJ Smuts Net Worth & Salary

As of 2026, JJ Smuts net worth is not known publicly, as he keeps his personal life private. He has accumulated this amount through his long career in South African domestic cricket and playing in some of the biggest cricket leagues in the world.

Smuts has earned franchise salaries from tournaments such as SA20, where he played for Durban’s Super Giants, along with match fees. His consistent participation in franchise cricket and professional contracts has contributed steadily to his overall financial growth. We will update you as soon as we find any information about Smuts' bet worth or salaries.

JJ Smuts Career

The 37-year-old cricketer, JJ Smuts, began his professional cricket career with Eastern Province and later became a key player for the Warriors in South African domestic cricket. He made his T20I debut on January 20, 2017, playing against Sri Lanka, and then played his first ODI match on February 04, 2020, against England.

Smuts built a strong reputation in franchise leagues as one of the best all-rounders in the world, such as the SA20 and other T20 competitions worldwide. After his last appearances for South Africa in 2021, he later became eligible to represent Italy.

International Career

JJ Smuts stats in T20Is show that he has played 17 matches in his international career, where he has scored 233 runs with a strike rate of 113.65 and has taken a total of 5 wickets with an average of 54.80. He has also played 6 ODI matches and has scored 180 runs, along with 4 wickets, with an average of 41.00.

Other Leagues Career

JJ Smuts has played in various T20 leagues such as SA20, Mzansi Super League, CPL, and CLT20. In SA20, he has played 24 matches for the Durban Super Giants and the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Smuts has also shown his skills in the CPL by playing 5 matches for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

JJ Smuts Achievements & Awards

South-African born cricketer, JJ Smuts, was awarded SACA Most Valuable Player in 2019 and also won the CSA T20 Challenge in 2014. He earned his maiden international call-up to play for the South African T20I team in 2017. After leaving the South Africa cricket team in 2021, Smuts has now debuted in the 2026 T20I World Cup, playing for Italy.