The Indian Premier League is back. The 14^th edition of the IPL returns to India, after the 13^th edition of the tournament was played in the UAE owing to the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in India. 

This edition of the IPL is particularly important because the ICC T20 World Cup in October will be staged in India. For numerous players looking to break into their national team squads, this IPL will be an audition they hope to pass with flying colors. In particular, this IPL will be crucial for the composition of the squad that South Africa decide to take to the World Cup. 

There are ten South African players in the IPL this year, and all of them can, potentially, earn a spot in the squad that is selected for the World Cup. 

Mumbai Indians 

Quinton de Kock 

Quinton de Kock has scored over a thousand runs across the two seasons he has represented MI. Comfortable in his role as wicket-keeper and top-order batsman alongside Rohit Sharma, de Kock is expected to repeat his run-scoring feats this season as well. South Africa will hope de Kock has another stellar season with Mumbai because his form will be key to South Africa’s success at the T20 World Cup in October. 

Marco Jansen 

The Mumbai Indians talent scouting infrastructure monitored Marco Jansen’s performances for two years before they bought him at the auction earlier this year. Quinton de Kock, in his communication with Mumbai’s owners, recommended they get Jansen at the auction. At this point, it is hard to tell whether Jansen will make it to the playing XI ahead of Trent Boult, but if he gets a few games and performs with bat and ball, he may well be a surprise selection for the T20 World Cup. At 6 feet 8 inches, Jansen can provide that x-factor that South Africa will be looking for at the World Cup. 

Chennai Super Kings

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis has been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings setup for the last decade. Having batted at 3 for South Africa, du Plessis has been opening the batting for CSK for the last couple of seasons. Last year, du Plessis was CSK’s best batsman, scoring 449 runs in 14 games, including 4 fifties. Equally effective against pace and spin, du Plessis is capable of finding the gaps and rotating the strike, as well as hitting fours and sixes when the situation demands. On Cricket Fanatics Magazine’s YouTube channel, I have often stated that Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis should open the batting for South Africa at the T20 World Cup. Their experience of playing and succeeding in the world’s most competitive T20 tournament in Indian conditions will hold South Africa in good stead at the World Cup. 

Lungi Ngidi

Having played four games and taken nine wickets for CSK in the 2020 season, Ngidi now has an opportunity to play more games this year, given Josh Hazlewood has pulled out of the tournament. Competing with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje in the South African T20 playing XI, Ngidi needs to showcase his wicket-taking prowess for CSK this year. 

Imran Tahir

After taking 26 wickets in the 2019 edition of the IPL, Tahir was, unfortunately, only able to play three games for CSK in 2020. This was attributed to the balance of the team. Tahir is still available to play T20 cricket for South Africa. If he gets a few games for CSK this year, and performs well, Tahir may get the nod for South Africa at the World Cup. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore

AB de Villiers

A giant of the IPL, AB de Villiers has been a shining star for RCB over the last decade. Scoring 454 runs at an average of 45.40 last season, de Villiers and RCB would hope that he continues in the same vein this year. His form has always been crucial to RCB’s success, and this year will be no different. We don’t know if AB de Villiers will play the World T20 this year, but if he does, an in-form AB will be a major boost to South Africa’s chances to win the title. On Cricket Fanatics Magazine’s YouTube channel, I have often said that AB de Villiers should bat at number 3. With Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis opening, having AB at 3 will give South Africa the best opportunity post formidable totals or chase down daunting scores. 

Rajasthan Royals 

David Miller 

Last year, David Miller was unlucky to have just played one game (in which he was run-out first ball). This year, one would hope that Miller gets an opportunity to strengthen the Royals’ middle-order. Coming into this IPL on the back of noteworthy performances for the Dolphins and South Africa, Miller will be feeling confident. A couple of match-winning knocks from Miller and he could end up being among the first names on the South African team sheet for the T20 World Cup this year. 

Chris Morris

Chris Morris has been in the news since he became the most expensive overseas purchase in IPL history at 16.25 crores. Morris had a productive season with RCB last year, particularly with the ball, given he took 11 wickets in 9 games at an economy rate of 6.63. Morris and the Royals would hope that his price tag will not impede his performances. With Jofra Archer being ruled out of the tournament, Morris would be expected to take more responsibility with bat and ball. If he performs well, Morris could be the ideal number 7 for South Africa at the World T20. 

Delhi Capitals

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada has been crucial to the Delhi Capitals’ fortunes. Last year, he put up a spectacular display of bowling, along with Anrich Nortje, and took 30 wickets. Rabada will look to create a similar impact this year as well. Given how important Rabada is to South Africa’s bowling plans, he is sure to take part in the campaign to win the World T20. 

Anrich Nortje 

Brought in as a replacement for Chris Woakes last year, Nortje lit up the IPL with his record-breaking bowling speeds. Nortje finished the season with 22 wickets, and his partnership with Rabada ensured Delhi would always take wickets in the powerplay. Nortje will certainly be a part of South Africa’s plans for the World T20. His x-factor bowling will strengthen a South African bowling lineup looking to rattle teams with extreme pace.