We take a look at all the South Africans playing in the IPL from  September 19 to November 10 2020 in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

Anrich Nortje – Delhi Capitals

The tearaway speedster is in line for his first gig in the IPL for the Delhi Capitals this year. He may have missed out on last year’s IPL due to a shoulder injury, but he’s linked up with his team as the replacement signing for Chris Woakes. Known to surprise batsmen with his searing pace, the IPL will be a priceless experience as well as continue the preparation for the T20 World Cup next year. Whether it’s early on, in the middle, or towards the back end of the innings, Nortje’s propensity to take wickets can come in very handy.

Kagiso Rabada – Delhi Capitals

The Proteas pace spearhead will be playing his third full season for Delhi, and it’s a chance to further boost his T20 credentials. He’s been a bit on the expensive side in T20 internationals, but a more steady performer in the IPL. With every game comes an opportunity to improve. He’s been an integral feature of Delhi’s bowling lineup since they first drafted him in 2017.

Faf du Plessis – Chennai Super Kings.

Now that he’s relinquished the Proteas captaincy, du Plessis will look to continue from where he left off in the IPL – it’s his eighth season for the Chennai Super Kings. He may be 36, but age hasn’t deterred his form in recent times. From opener to #4, he can be a versatile player depending on the situation, and he’ll be a valuable asset at the top of the order. He’s indicated that next year’s T20 World Cup is the centre of his focus, so there will be plenty at stake at this point in time.

Imran Tahir – Chennai Super Kings

He may be out of contract, but the 41-year-old legspinner still has plenty of gallons in the tank. Tahir is now a T20 specialist, having retired from ODIs right after last year’s World Cup. As much as the selectors are aiming to explore new spin options for limited-overs cricket, the wealth of experience as well as his repertoire of fizzing leg-breaks and wrong-uns are second to none. Nonetheless, he’s all set to link up with the “Dads Army”, the Chennai Super Kings, for his third season.

Lungi Ngidi – Chennai Super Kings

A key figure in their championship run in 2018, Ngidi is showing his ability in the shortest format more and more. His absence proved to be detrimental to the Super Kings’ failure to defend their crown in the 2019 campaign when he pulled out due to injury. He has proven his ability, especially at the death, and will play a key figure in the Super Kings’ hunt for glory.

Quinton de Kock – Mumbai Indians

South Africa’s flamboyant and organized wicketkeeper-batsman is raring to go for his second season with the defending champions, the Mumbai Indians. Last year, he scored the most runs for his side and has provided the much-needed early momentum. He will be an important feature in Mumbai’s title defence this year. Considering he’s now South Africa’s limited-overs skipper, his contributions will be something to keep close track of, over the course of the IPL.

David Miller – Rajasthan Royals

After plying his trade for the Kings XI Punjab since 2012, the Proteas resident finisher got recruited by the Rajasthan Royals. While has a reputation to often take the game away from the opposition, his recent returns in international T20s hasn’t quite been up to the mark. On the other hand, he’s been a steady performer over the years in the IPL. He’s set his sights on the upcoming T20 World Cups as well as the next ODI World Cup, too.

AB de Villiers – Royal Challengers Bangalore

There’s been a lot of buzz about Mr. 360’s plans for the near future and his potential return to the international stage. A strong performance in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore will further catapult his chances, and there’s no doubt about that. South Africa have dearly missed his creativity and swashbuckling approach. Boasting an average of 40 and striking in the 150’s, de Villiers will be a key player to watch over the course of the tournament.

Chris Morris – Royal Challengers Bangalore

From Chennai to Rajasthan to Delhi and finally, to Bangalore, the big-hitting all-rounder has now joined his fourth franchise for his seventh IPL season. For starters, he doesn’t have a central contract, and he hasn’t yet hinted about his availability for international cricket in the near future. But then again, it probably would be safe to assume he’d be primed to get the ball rolling in the green and gold – he took the most wickets for the Proteas during the World Cup. He’s delivered to great effect from time to time, but an uptick in consistency would definitely help repay the faith and vie for the all-rounder’s spot in international T20 plans.

Dale Steyn – Royal Challengers Bangalore

The legendary pacer has retired from Test cricket, but he definitely seems to be enjoying his white-ball cricket at the age of 37. He’s suffered injury after injury recently, but little has that deterred his confidence. There still are question marks as to how often he’ll be able to get game time given his fitness. However, he can still bowl economical spell and his sharp swing bowling can make the priceless early inroads when required. He’s back playing for his very first IPL franchise – the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Hardus Viljoen – Kings XI Punjab

The burly quick didn’t have the best start last year for the Kings XI Punjab, but they’ve retained him on the back of his experience as a T20 specialist. From playing a Test for the Proteas to county cricket at Derbyshire to taking part in franchise cricket like the PSL and T10 League, he’s the quintessential modern-day freelancer. He’s even made a franchise comeback at home, for the Titans. He can hit the deck hard as well as pummel a few hefty blows down the order, too. His brisk pace and aggressive bouncers are his forte, and more recently, he was part of the Paarl Rocks’ winning campaign in the Mzansi Super League. This year’s IPL will be a shot at redemption and could potentially open more doors.

FIXTURES: TBA

Photo by: Ron Gaunt/SPORTZPICS for BCCI