09/03/2026
Over the last two years, South Africa has tried a large number of players, particularly in the bowling department. Yet, when it mattered, they still relied on the same core bowling lineup they had trusted for years. In the past six months especially, the team experimented heavily with different combinations. While experimentation is important, it should not be happening right before a World Cup.
What South Africa needs is stability. The team management should identify their best playing XI and stick with that group for at least a year leading up to a major tournament. In the last six months alone, South Africa played series against Australia, England, Pakistan, and India, but the constant chopping and changing suggested uncertainty about their squad.
The lineup that eventually played in this World Cup could have benefited from playing together consistently beforehand. That continuity helps players get used to different match situations, clearly define their roles, and settle into their most effective batting positions. For example, Markram batted at No. 5 in one of the T20Is against India, while Stubbs was tried at No. 3 โ these kinds of role changes show that the team was still experimenting late in the cycle.
Going forward, it is crucial for South Africa to back a settled squad and give them consistent opportunities across series in the year leading up to a World Cup. Stability builds understanding and confidence within the team. Just look at how we won the World Test Championship โ we stuck with almost the same squad for 18 months, which helped the team develop cohesion and clarity in their roles.