Aiden Markram is among seven players who participated in the 2024 final and are headed to India and Sri Lanka this month. (Proteas Men/X)
Upon arriving in India on Monday afternoon, the Proteas were met with the thick, humid air, a stark contrast to the summer climate they departed. For captain Aiden Markram, the physical aspect of the journey is less significant than the mental one.
As South Africa sets off on what the team has referred to on social media as their “journey to greatness” at the 2026 T20 World Cup, their foremost aim is to leave behind the heartbreak of Barbados, where they fell short of victory in 2024.
It has been nearly two years since that fateful June day in 2024 when South Africa was just 30 runs away from winning their first-ever World Cup, only to lose by seven runs against India. That memory still lingers for many, but for Markram, it is a part of the past.
“For me, [this year’s tournament] is a clean slate, a new opportunity to start from scratch and to play good cricket initially, to earn the right to go and chase a trophy,” Markram stated shortly before the team departed from OR Tambo International on Sunday.
Markram, one of seven players from the 2024 final in the current squad, understands that although he has “parked” the disappointment, the narrative surrounding the “choker” label persists among critics, despite South Africa’s recent success in the World Test Championship (WTC).
“It depends on each guy,” Markram said when discussing the emotional impact of the 2024 final. “Some may have parked it, some may use it as motivation. You don’t want to—I mean, yes, it is a World Cup, but you don’t want to blow it out of proportion. You’ve got a job at hand on the cricket field, and if you can get yourself in that frame of mind to do that job well, then I think we give ourselves a good chance.”
The SA20 Pipeline: A Battery of Form
The Proteas arrive in India following a hard-fought 2-1 series victory over the West Indies. The concluding match at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday was a chaotic, rain-affected 10-over game, which ended in a six-run defeat for the hosts. However, overall performance metrics suggest a team that is peaking as the world’s attention shifts toward them.
This confidence largely stems from the SA20 tournament. The domestic league has evolved from a commercial success into an important scouting platform, producing a formidable lineup that may be among the most potent in the world. Markram has also made significant strides, having previously gone 35 innings without a half-century in T20 internationals. Last week, he achieved a career-high score of 86 off 47 balls against the West Indies.
“It’s exciting to see Aiden in such good form,” remarked Proteas spinner George Linde. “The way he bats, the way he makes it look easy—his shot selection is incredible. He’s an exceptional leader and we all follow him.”
The emerging talents of the squad are also making headlines. Dewald Brevis, the 22-year-old often compared to AB de Villiers, concluded the SA20 season as the second-highest run-scorer, featuring a remarkable 101 in the final match. His performance has been transformative.
“He oozes confidence,” said Shai Hope, the West Indies captain and teammate of Brevis at the Pretoria Capitals. “He’s one of those characters that feels he can get the job done in any situation at any time. He has natural talent and ability.”
Supporting Brevis is Ryan Rickelton, who led the run-scoring charts for much of the SA20, along with Tristan Stubbs, who has developed into a reliable finisher. Quinton de Kock’s return from retirement and his status as the SA20’s highest run-scorer (390 runs at a strike rate of 149) provides the Proteas with a well-rounded batting order.
However, the statistics since the 2024 final reveal challenges. South Africa has won merely 12 and lost 20 T20I matches since that day in Barbados. They have also struggled abroad, failing to win any series on foreign soil for the past 18 months. Retired Heinrich Klaasen will also be missed, as his capability to counter spin was integral to their 2024 World Cup journey.
In response to these challenges, the Proteas are relying on their experienced players. David Miller has received medical clearance after recovering from an adductor strain, providing valuable stability as the middle-order anchor, particularly in conjunction with Jason Smith, who recently scored 24 off just 10 balls at the Wanderers.
The bowling line-up features a balance of experience and youth. Anrich Nortje returns for an ICC tournament, joining Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi in a formidable pace attack. Also, keep an eye on 19-year-old Kwena Maphaka, the promising left-arm quick who represents the next generation of South African bowling.
The Road to Ahmedabad
South Africa’s World Cup journey will commence on February 9 against Canada in Ahmedabad. This group presents an opportunity for dominance, with upcoming matches against Afghanistan, New Zealand, and the UAE. A top-two finish will likely lead them to a Super Eight group featuring hosts India and Australia.
In the meantime, a crucial warm-up match against India is set for this Wednesday in Mumbai. For many in the squad, it will be their first encounter with the Indian crowd since the 2024 final, acting as a test for Markram’s philosophy of a “clean slate.”
While the label of “Chokers” may have been somewhat mitigated by the WTC victory, the memories of 2024 still cast a shadow over discussions about T20 performance. Markram recognizes that competing in India, with its demanding crowds and persistent scrutiny, necessitates a focus on precise execution.
“We’ll see what conditions we face on that side,” Markram concluded. “Obviously, that’s going to be a lot of the chat now, and we’ll come up with the plans from there. Looking at the SA20, the guys have been performing well and winning games for their teams. That’s what we need at a World Cup.”
The Proteas have arrived. The past is set aside. Now, they begin their quest.
FULL SQUAD – Proteas
Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje
