The 30-year-old has mainly been used as a Test bowler by the Proteas and only recently started featuring in more One-Day Internationals.

While he has played in close to 100 T20’s, he is yet to represent South Africa in a T20 International.

Maharaj says that his goal is to help South Africa to the top of the rankings in all three formats.

“I just want to do better than I did last season, then I know I am on the right track.

“If I can help the team to the number one status across all three formats then I will know that I am doing my job really well, I would say.

“Those are my career goals, holistically I just want to try and take the team to match-winning performances and to number one in the world.”

The left-arm spinner admitted that captaining the national side has always been a dream and this is something that he would not hesitate to do if the honour was bestowed on him.

“I've really enjoyed captaincy (at the Dolphins) from the time I’ve been handed the opportunity this past season.

“I really want to captain the Proteas. It’s been my dream. Not a lot of people in the national setup actually know that, but the few who have approached me on the matter know that.

“I’d like to captain the South African team across all three formats and I want to raise a World Cup trophy with my own hands, as the leader of the side.

“I didn’t merely want to play for the Proteas. Lifting that silverware has always been my childhood dream.”

Maharaj has already played in 30 Tests for the Proteas, bagging 110 wickets, while he only has 7 ODI’s to his record.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport