Keshav Maharaj: SA20 has done wonders for Proteas

The T20 competition has been running for four seasons now and combines seasoned professionals with young talent, and Maharaj says it’s a good stepping stone for the latter into the big international stage. 

He led the Pretoria Capitals at the recently concluded season of the tournament where he led among others Connor Esterhuizen, who made his T20 International debut in the current tour of New Zealand.

"Look, I think SA20 has been phenomenal for our system. We've seen the Proteas that we've produced especially in the white ball versions of the game. Guys have just taken to it, showing their national ability and it's given them the opportunity to play against the best and find ways to combat the best,” Maharaj said. 

“So, I think it's done wonders, we've seen the new faces not just in this squad but obviously in previous squads that have played and see how they've taken to international cricket, I mean Nqobani Mokoena is a prime example of just a product of SA20. 

“There's a few guys that have stood up, obviously Jordan [Hermann] was one of them unfortunately he got injured. So, it's really nice for us, it's a wonderful opportunity like I said to showcase your ability and express yourselves against some of the best T20 cricketers in the world especially in what they do."

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While South Africa has joined the likes of India, Australia, Pakistan, and the Caribbean in establishing a T20 league, New Zealand is yet to form their own to match fellow top cricketing nations in the world. 

According to Maharaj, a league like that would be good for showcasing the talent the country has to offer.

"I think every country has their own sort of way of going about business but I think SA20 is a really strong product. You hear about guys coming from all over the world and they are saying what a wonderful tournament to be a part of and the standard of cricket is really high,” he added. 

“I'm sure with New Zealand or when New Zealand do it, it will be a wonderful standard, I can't really say if it's gonna upset SA20 in terms of timing, things like but I'm sure it will be a great advert for New Zealand cricket."