Proteas coach Ottis Gibson will be keeping a close eye on this year’s IPL as they gear up for the World Cup.
And what he has seen to date will be pleasing to the eye.
After Imran Tahir’s heroics with the ball in hand for the Chennai Super Kings when he took 3/9 in the first match of the tournament against Royal Challengers Bangalore, it was the turn of South Africa’s premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to shine on Saturday.
Having been selected to bowl in the Super Over for the Delhi Capitals against the Kolkata Knight Riders, Rabada did remarkably well to defend 10 runs and conceded only seven as his team bagged the win.
These two men are certainties to go to the UK for the Proteas and Gibson will be pleased if they continue in this vein to build up confidence heading into the global showpiece.
Proteas wicketkeeper/batsman Quinton de Kock - a player who is expected to be one of the stars in the tournament - is also doing his bit with bat in hand for the Mumbai Indians.
In the three matches to date, De Kock has amassed a total of 110 runs at an average of 36.6.
So while not all of his players are in action in India, Gibson will be pleased that his superstars are already showing that they have what it takes to perform on a global stage in a crucial season.