Jacques Kallis explains why South Africa can lift T20 World Cup

South Africa legend Jacques Kallis believes next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup arrives at the ideal moment for the Proteas to finally clinch their maiden title.

The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup begins on February 7 next year, with South Africa aiming to go one better after finishing as runners-up to India in the 2024 tournament.

The global event will start just 13 days after the conclusion of the SA20—South Africa’s flagship domestic T20 league—featuring the majority of the Proteas’ white-ball stars. Kallis believes this scheduling provides perfect preparation for the team.

"I think it's going to play a big role," Kallis said of the SA20 leading into the start of the T20 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 percent effort in, in any case.

"But I do think it's fantastic preparation, looking forward to that World Cup."

For South Africa to secure their first T20 World Cup crown, their senior players will need to step up, with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram expected to be central to their campaign.

Kallis also highlighted the importance of Marco Jansen, who impressed with seven wickets in the 2024 edition. 

He noted that the all-rounder has grown significantly, pointing to Jansen’s Player-of-the-Match performance in the second Test against India in Guwahati as a key confidence booster heading into the tournament.

"He's had a massive year, hasn't he," Kallis said.

"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.

"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."

It is pertinent to mention that South Africa have been placed in a group alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE for the 2026 T20 World Cup. They will open their campaign against Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad.