Proteas power: Five superstars who will light up the T20 World Cup

The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup kicks off in India and Sri Lanka on February 7, 2026. 

The Proteas, after finishing runners-up two years ago in Barbados, have named a squad that possesses plenty of power and experience to launch another challenge.

Independent Media selects five Proteas that are set to light up their team’s T20 World Cup campaign.

1. Dewald Brevis: The "X-Factor"

After a record-breaking SA20 season where Brevis scored the first-ever century in a final, the youngster is ready for his major ICC tournament. With Heinrich Klaasen retired from T20Is, Brevis is the new designated powerhouse in the middle order and will no doubt be counting on his IPL experience. If he can get on top of a few teams early on in the competition, the cricket-crazed Indian public may just latch on to ‘Baby AB’ and get behind the Proteas as a whole.

Why to watch: He strikes at over 173 in T20Is. His ability to hit spinners out of the ground almost at will be crucial to the Proteas maintaining the tempo in the middle of the innings.

2. Quinton de Kock: The veteran

Fresh off being named Player of the Tournament in the SA20, De Kock is in peak form heading into his sixth T20 World Cup. 

His return to international cricket last year has almost been like a joker card handed to the Proteas ahead of the showpiece. 

Crucially, De Kock has returned with an insatiable hunger for success in international cricket. 

Why to watch: A motivated and free-flowing De Kock is among the most dangerous white-ball batters in the world. His ability to destroy almost any bowler in the Powerplay.

3. Kwena Maphaka: The teenage sensation

At just 19 years old, Maphaka is already a seasoned campaigner with two seasons worth of IPL experience to draw on. 

The glare of his major senior ICC tournament spotlight should not be that big as he has regularly played in front of big crowds.

Talent-wise, Maphaka is among the leading crop of young fast bowlers worldwide after bursting on to the scene at the ICC Under-19 World Cup two years ago. 

He has yet to transfer his junior success consistently to the senior stage, but was the Proteas’ leading T20 bowler on last year’s tour of Australia.

Why to watch: He consistently clocks 145kph+ and provides a unique left-arm angle that complements Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.

4. Aiden Markram: The captain

Under Markram’s leadership, the Proteas reached their first-ever World Cup final in 2024. He enters this tournament with massive momentum after scoring a brilliant unbeaten 86 against the West Indies just last week.

His promotion up the order to open the batting with De Kock places the Proteas’ most experienced combination right in the line of fire ready to combat anything the opposition throws at them.

Markram’s leadership was exemplary in the US and Caribbean two years ago with some inspired bowling changes and field placings.

Why to watch: Beyond his batting, his "golden arm" off-spin will be a primary weapon on subcontinent pitches. Markram also had a penchant for delivering in the clutch moments, notably the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s last year.

5. Marco Jansen: The elite all-rounder

Jansen has evolved into a genuine "three-dimensional" player. After struggling in India on previous visits, the beanpole seamer enjoyed a spectacular tour across formats and disciplines last year.

He was magical with the ball, cleared the ropes at will, and took a couple of sensational catches. Jansen’s IPL experience will also be a valuable asset to the Proteas’ cause. 

Why to watch: He has the height to extract bounce even on flat Indian pitches and could play a crucial role as a ‘floater’ in the Proteas’ batting line-up, especially when the need arises to attack the spinners.