Proteas allrounder Chris Morris says it is "nice to feel wanted" as he continues his good form with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
The 33-year-old missed the start of the tournament due to a unique stomach muscle strain, but he has hit the ground running and has almost instantly become a key player for and RCB side that also includes superstars like AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli.
He has played half the games of some his team-mates, but Morris is already RCB's highest wicket-taker in the IPL this year having picked up nine scalps at an average of 11.11 and an economy rate of just 5.00.
In his one and only batting effort so far in the competition, Morris belted an undefeated 25* (8).
With RCB well placed to make a run at the playoffs, Morris is set to play a major role for the duration of the tournament.
But, in an interview with Cricinfo, he revealed how satisfying it was to simply be part of proceedings having had to watch from the sidelines.
"Give me somebody who doesn't like the feeling of being wanted - whether in sport, in a relationship or just in life in general," Morris said.
"It's just nice to feel important. The medical staff were incredible. For them to get me back on the park was really good. I've never had that type of injury before. It was a new thing for me."
Another member of the RCB side is Proteas great Dale Steyn, and it is clear from social media that Morris and Steyn have a special friendship.
"Dale is a legend. Why I have been lucky is because he is not just a mentor, he is actually one of my friends," said Morris.
"I pinch myself every now and then and say, Dale is my friend. We love to spend time and do things together.
"I'm very lucky not just to have him in the change room but also as my mate. His inputs have been so important and valuable. For me, more important for me with Dale is not the stuff that we talk on the field but more the stuff the stuff we talk about off the field, in life in general.
"For a guy who's been playing since he was 20 and to almost being 47 now, I'm joking. For him to be 38 and still do what he does is incredible. The stuff that we talk about and the stuff he brings to the team is invaluable."
- Compiled by Sport24 staff