When anyone talks about South Africa, the things which strike immediately: BLM, Political interference, below par performance, choking in penultimate challenges. South Africa were tagged globally, the "chokers" of international cricket but they are now turning the clock in a manner none expected. The South Africa squad of 2022 is tipped to be one of the frontrunners for lifting the cup and if done, this would be the first ICC T20 trophy clinched by South Africans and would be a jewel added to the new crown they wear.
Overview of the Squad
The squad is more or less good, filled with star players with every player having the ability to play a match-winning knock on their day. But one major omission from the squad is their star player Rassie Van Der Dussen. The setback to Rassie van der Dussen couldn't have happened at a worse moment for South Africa. The 33-year-old had a finger injury in the second Test against England in Manchester, but he persevered through it. He had to take a flight home after the game was over, and he will now likely have surgery, which will keep him out of action for at least six weeks.
Rassie has swiftly established himself as the foundation of South Africa's batting order and was a key player in their last World Cup campaign in the UAE and Oman. Rassie is the Proteas' second-highest run scorer in T20Is this decade. In his absence, Aiden Markram and David Miller, who have been in excellent form lately, will be responsible for leading the middle order.
Tristan Stubbs, one of the team's three newcomers, has made a lasting impression throughout his brief international career. Stubbs may be the X-factor in that middle order, making up for Rassie's absence thanks to the experience surrounding him.
Squad of 2021:
Temba Bavuma (c), Keshav Maharaj, Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, W Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.
Squad of 2022:
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Reeza Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Marco Jansen (replaces injured Dwaine Pretorius), Kagiso Rabada, Rillee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
Reserves: Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
The fast bowling of this squad is their greatest asset since they have a wide range of excellent fast bowling alternatives who can bowl at over 140 KPH and a diverse assault. Additionally, their top order hitting and finishing are also good.
Weaknesses:
Rassie Van Der Dussen's absence, which will be a major setback for South Africa, is their greatest vulnerability, and their middle order batting is also subpar when compared to the other batting possibilities. Additionally, their spinners lack much power.
Opportunities:
Temba Bavuma has the chance to lead this South African squad and score runs, while David Miller has the chance to boost the middle order, which seems to be weak. Together, both players have a fantastic possibility to win the first ICC event for their country.
Threats:
Because of their weak spin bowling options, other teams may pose a threat to them, and the best bowling attacks in the competition may be able to take advantage of their middle order. This squad has to be cautious because of threats.
Expected Playing 11:
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton De Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks / Rilee Rossouw , Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen / Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi / Lungi Ngidi
