Markram's Proteas: South Africa's Balanced Squad Eyes T20 World Cup 2026 Glory

Led by Aiden Markram, the team features a potent mix of veterans like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada, alongside emerging talents such as Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka, as per the ICC website.

South Africa is grouped alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the UAE in Group D at the T20 World Cup and will begin their campaign against Canada in Ahmedabad on February 9.

The Proteas play three of their league games in Ahmedabad, which is believed to be a high-scoring ground, and the all-round strength of the unit makes them a formidable side to beat in the global event.

The returning Anrich Nortje, combined with Kagiso Rabada, lead the pace attack supported by the in-form Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi and Kwena Maphaka. Keshav Maharaj leads the spin department for South Africa with all-rounder George Linde for support.

The inclusion of Anrich Nortje strengthens South Africa's already potent pace attack, which boasts Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi.

Although the 32-year-old has played just the two T20Is since the last T20 World Cup - both against India in the recent tour where he went wicketless - Nortje has been impressive in the domestic 20-over tournament, claiming six wickets in three games with an economy rate of 6.9, including a four-wicket haul.

Nortje was the Proteas' leading wicket-taker in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, where he snapped 15 wickets in nine matches with an economy rate of 5.74.

Nortje's experience will be a significant boost for South Africa, which is eyeing its first-ever T20 World Cup title after a heartbreaking loss in the previous edition. Notably, the team initially seemed to be relying on all-round spinners for the India and Sri Lanka conditions, but they've now shifted gears with a pace-heavy squad.

This meant Keshav Maharaj had to miss T20I engagements. However, impressive performances in the 50-over format, which also saw him peak at the top of the rankings, helped him secure a spot in the T20I squad for the India tour.

Despite a lone T20I appearance on that tour, the management reckon that Maharaj's experience could prove to be invaluable in India. He will be assisted by George Linde, with Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira also capable of turning their arm over.

While South Africa has rewarded in-form players like Brevis, who was spectacular during the Australia tour, and Ferreira, who impressed with his finishing skills in the recently concluded India tour, they continue to show their faith in the experienced core of Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Aiden Markram.

Their experience will be key in guiding the up-and-coming batters for the challenges ahead. The Proteas' all-round depth makes them a dangerous side which can adapt to conditions as needed.

Bosch, Linde and Jansen can swing it hard down the order, while Markram and Ferreira can don the spinners' hat for timely breakthroughs.

- ANI