The finalists from the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean will go head-to-head once again in a five-match T20 International series - and for South Africa, it’s the perfect springboard ahead of next year’s global showpiece.

While the Proteas did lose the One-Day International series 2–1, the real attention now shifts to the shortest format, where they’ll want to show meaningful improvement.

David Miller - Cricinfo

This series also marks the return of the big-hitting former Knights batter, David Miller, who last turned out for South Africa during the ICC Champions Trophy in March. Remarkably, the 36-year-old hasn’t played T20 cricket for his country since facing Pakistan at Kingsmead in Durban - almost exactly one year to the day of Tuesday’s series opener in Cuttack.

Miller told OFM Sport that he’s enjoyed watching the boys on television, but he’s itching to get stuck in during what he believes is an important block of matches.

“Yeah, it’s been forever - I think my last game was at the Champions Trophy earlier in the year, so it’s been a long time,” Miller said.

“It’s just great to be back. It’s been great watching the guys back at home. Obviously you feel you want to be there, but the guys have been doing so well and it’s been lovely to watch.”

With the previous World Cup now firmly in the rear-view mirror, the attention shifts to the next one. Miller believes that stepping up in the pressure moments is what separates the contenders from the champions - and World Cups are no different.

“I think we’re shaping up really well. I’ve spoken to a lot of people and teams that have been successful over the years, and I don’t think there’s one recipe to win a World Cup.

David Miller - Cricinfo

“It takes a full team effort - management and players - and standing up when the moments matter. Looking back at the last World Cup, where we got to the final, we found ways to win and built confidence as we went along.

“There’s now a huge pool of players putting up their hands, which makes it tough for the selectors, but we’re in a good space with world-class players throughout. We just need to make sure we’re properly switched on every single game.”

The first ball between India and South Africa at the Barabati Stadium is scheduled for 15:30 on Tuesday afternoon.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport