It's time for South Africa to select their squad for the T20 World Cup, and they are faced with some challenging decisions in putting together their team, particularly considering they have yet to have an opportunity to play together in 2024. The white-ball coach, Rob Walter, will heavily depend on league statistics to fill positions in the top three, as he has a multitude of batters to choose from. Presenting the potential contenders:
Quinton de Kock
BBL: Scored 104 runs with an average of 17.33 in six innings, maintaining a strike rate of 120.93
SA20: In 12 innings, the player scored an impressive 213 runs with an average of 19.36. They hit one half-century and maintained a striking rate of 123.12.
IPL: Accumulated 236 runs with an average of 26.22 in nine innings, boasting a strike rate of 136.41 (as of April 28).
Typically, de Kock is often one of the initial names on the team roster, although this might not be the case currently due to his lack of form. After the previous edition of the MLC, where he secured the second-highest number of runs, de Kock has experienced a disappointing performance in the BBL and SA20, with only a slightly better showing in the IPL. When considering the statistics of other players in comparison, it becomes challenging to argue in favour of de Kock's current form. However, it's important to remember that there are other factors to consider as well. He concluded his ODI cricket career by scoring four extraordinary centuries at the previous year's World Cup, and with this T20 World Cup being his last international assignment, he might desire to make one final significant impact on South Africa's quest for the trophy.
Reeza Hendricks
SA20: Scored a total of 172 runs with an average of 24.57 in nine innings, maintaining a strike rate of 110.96.
In the CSA T20 tournament, the player has scored an impressive total of 440 runs in 15 innings, averaging 36.66. Notably, they have achieved this feat with the help of four half-centuries, showcasing their consistent performance. Their strike rate of 140.12 further highlights their ability to score runs at a brisk pace.
If everything were equitable between the previous T20 World Cup and the upcoming one, Hendricks would serve as de Kock's opening companion for the 2024 edition. Despite his impressive performance of scoring four consecutive fifties in T20I matches, he was unexpectedly left out of the 2022 tournament due to the presence of captain Temba Bavuma. Hendricks persevered with the national team, focusing on accumulating runs and patiently waiting for his career to progress overseas. What seems to be the issue? He hasn't achieved the desired level of success in terms of scoring runs in the most prominent areas. While Hendricks has been a force to be reckoned with in the domestic T20 competition, his performance in the SA20 - which is widely considered to be of a higher standard - could have been more impressive. This could potentially work against him, as some of his rivals have posted remarkable statistics in that format.
Rassie van der Dussen
SA20: Scored 328 runs with an average of 32.80 in 10 innings, with a strike rate of 147.74.
In the CSA T20 tournament, the player has scored an impressive total of 331 runs in 13 innings, with an average of 36.77. Their strike rate stands at an excellent 136.77.
Despite being commonly regarded as dependable and consistent, Van der Dussen's contributions extend far beyond being a steady presence. His aggressive style of play has been evident in recent years. He is one of the top performers in South Africa's ODI matches, has excelled in both the SA20 and CSA T20 formats, and, like Faf du Plessis, has a number of tournaments to his credit. Nevertheless, in the SA20, van der Dussen discussed refraining from aiming for the lights in T20Is and acknowledged his pragmatism regarding his selection prospects.
Ryan Rickelton
SA20: Accumulated 530 runs with an impressive average of 58.88, including five fifties in just ten innings and maintained a strikingly high strike rate of 173.77.
In the CSA T20 tournament, the player has scored an impressive total of 441 runs in 15 innings, maintaining an average of 40.09. Notably, they have achieved this feat by hitting four fifties, showcasing their consistent performance. Their strike rate of 144.11 further highlights their ability to score runs at a brisk pace.
When it comes to appearance, Rickelton is simply impossible to overlook. He has proven to be the most reliable South African top-order batsman in 2024, displaying remarkable consistency with nine half-centuries in both SA20 and CSA T20 matches. Additionally, he maintains an impressive strike rate of over 140 in both formats. Rickelton may not possess the same level of reputation as de Kock or have followed the same path as Hendricks, but these factors should not be used to dismiss him. South Africa has a history of favouring established players over those who appear to be reaching their peak at the opportune moment. Therefore, choosing Rickelton would demonstrate a more forward-thinking selection approach that acknowledges players' performances at the most crucial times.
Faf du Plessis
SA20: Scored 239 runs with an average of 29.87 in 11 innings, with a strike rate of 141.42.
IPL: Accumulated 288 runs at an average of 28.80 in 10 innings, with a strike rate of 159.11 (as of April 28).
Throughout du Plessis' career, there has been much speculation surrounding his potential comeback to international cricket following his retirement from Test matches in 2020 and his exclusion from white-ball cricket at the global level. His performances have consistently indicated that he possesses the necessary skills. Ever since his last appearance for South Africa, du Plessis has emerged as an indispensable player in the T20 format, consistently delivering impressive performances in both the IPL and CPL.
He has the advantage of having participated in numerous intense competitions in the past as well. Despite being 39 years old, he remains in excellent physical condition. While his age may be a factor, it should not be used against him if he decides to make a comeback on the international stage. However, it appears that this opportunity might be his final shot, and even then, the odds are not in his favour. Du Plessis emerged as one of the top performers in the previous edition of the IPL, showcasing his batting prowess with an impressive tally of eight half-centuries at a remarkable strike rate of over 150. Considering his outstanding form, it would have been a more compelling case to include him in the T20 World Cup if it had taken place last year.
Matthew Breetzke
SA20: Accumulated a total of 416 runs with an impressive average of 40.63 in just 13 innings, showcasing a remarkable strike rate of 135.50.
In the CSA T20, the player has scored an impressive total of 467 runs in 15 innings, with an average of 35.92. Their strike rate stands at an excellent 131.17.
Similarly, Breetzke excelled in the domestic competition and played a pivotal role in the success of SA20 and Durban's Super Giants, leading them to the final. When DSG captain Keshav Maharaj spoke to ESPNcricinfo before the SA20 playoffs, he described Breetzke as a determined player on the pitch and a strong rival who has the potential for a successful international cricket career. It seems that Walter shares the same opinion. Breetkze has been involved in South Africa's previous two T20I series, although he has yet to make a significant impact. It remains to be seen if Walter is willing to give him a chance now or if he would rather keep him as a potential option for the future.