South Africa legend Jacques Kallis feels the timing of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup could not be more favourable for the Proteas as they chase their maiden title. The 10th edition of the tournament begins February 7, just 13 days after the conclusion of the SA20 league, a schedule Kallis believes will leave South Africa’s white-ball core perfectly primed for the global event after weeks of high-intensity cricket.
“I think it’s going to play a big role,” Kallis said of the SA20 leading into the World Cup.
“I don’t think it’ll make the guys play any harder or anything like that, because the guys would have put the 100 per cent effort in, in any case. But I do think it’s fantastic preparation, looking forward to that World Cup,” he added.
After finishing runners-up to India in 2024, the Proteas will hope for an even stronger push in 2025. Much will depend on the experience and form of senior players such as Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram. But Kallis singled out Marco Jansen as a key factor, especially after the all-rounder’s breakout year.
Jansen, who claimed seven wickets at the 2024 T20 World Cup, has grown into a match-winner across formats. His Player of the Match performance in the second Test against India in Guwahati, Kallis believes, has further elevated his confidence ahead of the white-ball showpiece.
“He’s had a massive year, hasn’t he? He’s always had the potential. It was just a matter of figuring his game out. He’s obviously figured it out now and is getting a good balance,” Kallis said.
“He’s always been magnificent with the ball. Perhaps in previous years, he didn’t quite fulfil his talent with the bat. He’s certainly turned that around now. He’s a premium all-rounder now,” he added.
South Africa have been grouped with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE for the 2025 T20 World Cup. Their campaign begins on February 9 in Ahmedabad, where they face Canada in their opening match.
As part of the preparations in the build-up to the marquee tournament, the South Africans are set to face India in a five-match T20I rubber, starting at Cuttack on December 9.