It goes without saying that slow bowling will be key to every side's cause on the subcontinent, and while the Proteas do have options outside of Maharaj, there is understandable concern over the current 50-over form of T20 star Tabraiz Shamsi.
Those are the attributes, after all, that contributed towards Maharaj becoming his country's first-choice spinning option in ODI cricket, and while Shamsi's ability to turn the ball and take wickets remains hugely valuable, the Proteas need more dependability. Over his last five spells in ODI cricket, Shamsi has travelled for 306 runs in 37.2 overs at 8.1 per over.
"Every player requires confidence, so it's about finding a method to instill that," said Proteas coach Rob Walter when asked about Shamsi's form heading into a three-match T20 series against the West Indies starting on Saturday in Pretoria. "Fifty-over cricket is a bit more trying, given the fielding restrictions in the middle and trying to stay competitive and aggressive and take wickets. That area of the game can be tough for spinners."Get the Sport Report to stay up to speed with everything you need to know in the world of sport.Walter, just two games into his Proteas coaching tenure, backs Shamsi to rediscover his 50-over form.