We explore some starting XI combinations that can be selected from the Proteas T20 World Cup squad.

Rob Walter was clear in his T20 Squad announcement press conference that he has picked the best combination of players for his squad.

The most obvious analysis from a squad dynamics perspective is that three specialist spinners have been selected, whereas the coach could have picked an extra all-rounder as he did in previous tournaments. The expected conditions in the USA and the West Indies would have played a role in this decision. It also shows the confidence he has in Marco Jansen’s ability with the bat in this format.

But it’s also important not to glance over Walter’s comments about Aiden Markram, where he emphasised his ability as a spinner. The coach’s confidence in Markram’s ability with the ball opens up a lot of selection options that would have been closed if Markram was considered to be a part-timer.

Generally, the confidence in the batters selected has been high amongst fans. But there has been a slight concern with the bowling department, largely due to Anrich Nortje’s selection as he makes his way back from a serious injury. Walter’s selection of the Nortje shows that he is willing to take the risk with him, but he has opted for cover by selecting Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi as travelling reserves in case of any issues. Nortje is finding his feet in the IPL, so there are enough games for him to find his way back to full fitness and form before the tournament starts.

From the 15-man squad selected for the World Cup, here a 3 probable combinations we could go with. They are listed below.

Let me know in the comment section which XIs you believe are our best options for success.

Combo 1 (6-5 split, two spinners, stronger batting lineup)
1 Reeza Hendricks
2 Quinton de Kock
3 Aiden Markram
4 Tristan Stubbs
5 Heinrich Klaasen
6 David Miller
7 Marco Jansen (4 overs)
8 Gerald Coetzee (4 overs)
9 Keshav Maharaj (4 overs)
10 Kagiso Rabada/Anirch Nortje (4 overs)
11 Tabraiz Shamsi (4 overs)

Combo 2 (6-5 split, two spinners, prioritize experienced players)
1 Reeza Hendricks
2 Quinton de Kock
3 Aiden Markram
4 Heinrich Klaasen
5 Tristan Stubbs
6 David Miller
7 Marco Jansen (4 overs)
8 Keshav Maharaj (4 overs)
9 Anrich Nortje (4 overs)
10 Kagiso Rabada (4 overs)
11 Tabraiz Shamsi (4 overs)

Combo 3 (7-4 split, two spinners)
1 Reeza Hendricks
2 Ryan Rickelton
3 Quinton de Kock
4 Aiden Markram (4 overs)
5 Heinrich Klaasen
6 David Miller
7 Tristan Stubbs
8 Marco Jansen (4 overs)
9 Anrich Nortje/Gerald Coetzee (4 overs)
10 Keshav Maharaj (4 overs)
11 Kagiso Rabada (4 overs)