Composure, mentality, experience, x-factor and confidence, these are five important factors the Proteas selectors must think of when picking their best T20 XV, writes Khalid Mohidin.

Decisions, Decisions. Should the series against India commence? Should the World Cup be postponed? I guess these are questions that will be answered in our Sunday Night Main event – The Podcast Live Show.

Let’s presume that the ICC’s wishes are granted and the World Cup in Australia scheduled to be held between October 18 and November 15 takes place, and India’s inbound tour to South Africa takes place, then who are South Africa’s best T20 players?

I’m going to “Fusion Ha” with the brains of the selectors, and attempt to pick a squad of XV.

Now, the emphasis has to be on selecting the best players that the country has to offer in the T20 format. Not only is the balance of the squad important, but the culture and energy in the squad is vital too.

I’ve aways been someone who doesn’t only look at stats when it comes to liking a player. I look at the signs regarding his mental approach to the game too and the way he conducts himself off the field. This will play a MAJOR role in my team selection.

Let’s start with the two openers, In other words, Quinton de Kock’s partner.

The key here for me is to find someone who can adapt their game according to the situation and compliment De Kock. We have an abundance of options in this department – Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Janneman Malan and Aiden Markram.

My choice, however, will be Bavuma, purely for the way in which he compliments De Kock.

He has surprised many with his white-ball capabilities and was one of South Africa’s top performers in the series against England. In five T20I matches, he has an average of 49.75. He has yet to kick on and score a half-century, but I feel that his leadership capabilities and calmness at the crease will be vital to calm the nerves upfront. His mental game has come a long way and I feel that he has found a recipe that works for him. Janneman Malan comes in a close second for me, especially with the tournament taking place in Australia, because he thrives on bouncy tracks.

Next will be the all-important No 3 position. Faf du Plessis has made himself available, so I think he should play. He has the experience and the temperament to bat at 3, and without the pressures of captaincy can truly focus on the freedom of enjoying his batting. We saw how competent he has been in the IPL (averaging 31.40 in 71 matches) so he is no slouch in the format. He will also bring amazing support for De Kock as captain.

At No 4, I will go with Rassie van der Dussen. He has been exceptional since making his debut for South Africa. He has an incredible understanding of his own game and adapts his style at will according to the situation. The energy he brings to the squad and the calmness he brings to the middle is exactly what the Proteas need.

Although there has been a debate about whether to bring AB de Villiers back, I will continue to build up Rassie’s confidence and make use of his positive energy.

At No 5, Miller. He plays a key role in keeping the batting lineup together and has the ability, if given a platform by the top order, to truly take a game away from the opposition. Similarly to Heinrich Klaasen who is my No 6. Klaasen has made his intentions clear, especially with his performances in the ODI’s against Australia. We also know that under Boucher, his intensity increases.

At No 7, Andile Phehlukwayo mainly for his ability to strangle opposition with the ball. He does have the ability to score quickly towards the end of an innings, but his ability to bowl variations and strangle the middle order is key to his selection.

With regards to the bowlers, they pick themselves. Ngidi, Rabada and Nortje have extreme pace, while Tahir still remains lethal in the T20 game.

With the selections of Janneman Malan and Kyle Verreynne, we have seen how lethal they can both be against Australia. So not only does this cover us if one of the designated batsmen find themselves struggling for form, but they will also gain a lot of confidence and experience from experiencing the World Cup.

It’s Australia, so one spinner should do. Although having Shamsi in the squad gives the option of an extra spinner.

Pretorius brings more than just experience, he brings a positive and disciplined mindset as well as balance with bat and ball.

Here’s my T20 Squad:

1 Quinton de Kock (c) (wk)
2 Temba Bavuma
3 Faf du Plessis
4 Rassie van der Dussen
5 David Miller
6 Heinrich Klaasen
7 Andile Phehlukwayo
8 Kagiso Rabada
9 Anrich Nortje
10 Lungi Ngidi
11 Imran Tahir
12 Janneman Malan
13 Dwaine Pretorius
14 Tabraiz Shamsi
15 Kyle Verreynne

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