Why South Africa’s T20 series against India is crucial for World Cup preparation
South Africa’s crucial five-match T20I series against India in Cuttack is vital for World Cup preparation, as the Proteas aim to fill the gap left by Heinrich Klaasen’s retirement and test young talent like Dewald Brevis against the world’s top T20 team. Picture: AFP
Image: AFP
T20 cricket is often criticised by traditionalists as destroying the game, but it’s actually the 50-over version that seems to be more difficult to justify these days, and right now for the Proteas the ‘moer-en-soek’ format is by far the most important.
South Africa begin a marathon five-match T20 International (T20I) series against hosts India in Cuttack on Tuesday, and it’s with an eye on building towards the World Cup in February and March.
It’s no coincidence either that India and South Africa were the finalists of the previous World Cup in 2024. Of course, India were crowned champions as South Africa’s search for a World Cup trophy in limited overs competitions continues.
While India have arguably become a better team since the final in June last year, South Africa seem to have gone in the other direction.
Heinrich Klaasen’s Retirement Leaves a Gap in South Africa’s T20 Lineup
Perhaps the most prolific T20 batsman in world cricket, Heinrich Klaasen, has hung up his Proteas boots, and that’s left a gaping hole in the SA batting lineup.
While the Proteas will welcome back veterans David Miller and Anrich Nortje (who has battled injury the last few seasons), the absence of Klaasen will still be felt significantly.
The heir apparent to Klaasen’s throne is 22-year-old Dewald Brevis. In his first eight T20Is for South Africa, the top score by ‘Baby AB’ was 41. That was before a magnificent unbeaten 125 against Australia in Darwin in August.
It signalled his arrival on the international stage, after taking some time to find his feet at the top level of the game.
Now against India, it will be a great test to see how some of the more experienced players combine with youngsters like Brevis against probably the best side in T20 cricket at the moment.
The Proteas will certainly have their work cut out for them, and even though it’s difficult to see South Africa winning this series, there will definitely be a number of lessons taken from this contest.
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