Paul Adams: Proteas can rely on Keshav Maharaj at World Cup

The 2026 tournament will be held in India and Sri-Lanka from February 7, and Adams expects Maharaj to be one of the key players for South Africa.

He believes there’s no need to panic over the form of the team’s premier spin bowler, backing him to rise to the occasion. 

"Yeah, sometimes it can be tough – T20 cricket is all about how it's going on the day, but he's got the experience, and in big players lift themselves and bring the moments for the occasion," said Adams.

"For me, Keshav has a vast array of experience, he's one of our premier spin bowlers and he'll bring calmness as well within that dressing room, with his leadership aspects as well."

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The 48-year-old, who featured for South Africa between 1995 to 2004, says the team’s success at the World Cup will depend on how individual players hit the right form at the right time. 

"I think everyone's always excited for a T20 World Cup, the last time it was a close one up against India in the West Indies, and I think this side again we're excited to see how we go about it," added Goga.

"I think there are quite a few world beaters and we've seen them over the last few years, I think at different [competitions] – either tournaments or international matches, how they can win a game.

"For me these tournaments are all about who's going into form at that very moment in time as a team, and they can be the team right at the top."