The Proteas may have a spartan schedule when it comes to T20 Internationals but many top stars are getting their reps in at franchise level in the Pakistan Super League.
Several Proteas and eligible South African players are doing well in the Pakistan Super League right now and a few will then go on to take part in the Indian Premier League.
Two of the Proteas’ less fancied stars have so far been the standouts in the competition with great knocks recorded by both Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks.
If van der Dussen can maintain this form it will give the Proteas a potent look in their middle order.
Meanwhile, Hendricks has also impressed which should help the team at the top of the order.
With Quinton de Kock still available to be picked in T20 cricket, Hendricks is the ideal player to pair with him as an opening partnership in T20 Internationals.
Van der Dussen and Hendricks are second and third on the run-scoring charts in the PSL after five matches, clobbering over 500 runs between them.
RVD, WE SALUTE 🫡
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 25, 2024
First centurion of #HBLPSL9 💯#KhulKeKhel | #LQvPZ pic.twitter.com/6WBvnq3SQm
The PSL also offers Rilee Rossouw the chance to make a case for a T20 recall, but he will need to play out of his skin to break into a solid top six for the Proteas.
As a left-hander Rossouw would be a good option to hold in reserve given that backup keepers Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs are right-handed.
Rossouw would have moved down the pecking order thanks to some impressive displays from Ryan Rickleton during the SA20
The left-handed batter will head to the IPL after his PSL duties having been picked up at auction by the Punjab Kings.
Spinners Tabraiz Shamsi and George Linde are also getting a good workout in Pakistan.
Linde has played two of his teams’ five matches and had decent returns with the ball to go with a handy cameo in his most recent innings.
Flourishing finish! 💥
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 24, 2024
Linde giving the crowd what they needed 🏏#HBLPSL9 #KhulKeKhel #LQvKK pic.twitter.com/IURVX54hKb
Lungi Ngidi had been set for his first stint in the PSL but he had to pull out after picking up a niggle during the SA20. Ngidi is expected to be fit to feature for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
Van der Dussen and Hendricks don’t have IPL contracts but their performances in the PSL may have caught the eye of several teams and they could be approached to come in as replacements should other overseas players withdraw from the event.
The 2024 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States from 1 June to 29 June 2024.
