For quite some time now, there has been much chatter surrounding the Proteas i.e., the men’s South African cricket team and their failures at lifting a single ICC World Cup. That’s irrespective of the fact that whether one speaks of their fortunes that lack a cherished World Cup in the standard 50-over one day game or the shortest format of international cricket, the T20. And if you come to think of it, then you’d realise that the narrative remains the same whether you think of the die hard passionate Proteas supporters or their ardent critics who might be croqueting the side but are always aware and appreciative of their talents as a very mature and skilled unit. But not having even a single World Cup trophy in their cabinet stings. Does to this very day.

The central theme hasn’t changed although past or current cricketers have often expressed their impassioned view 

Most recently, someone like Kevin Pietersen- who doesn’t quite hold himself back from scathing comments and passionate views - has come forward and offered a simple plea with regard to what the current South African team ought to be doing in a bid to secure a World Cup crown.  

And what Kevin Pietersen has said may actually sound a touch surprising 

The former cricketer for the England side and a high achiever across formats has showered rich praise on Heinrich Klassen and alluded to the fact they he must be recalled into the men’s side once again and that’s despite the fact that - and it being common knowledge- that Klassen has already called time on his national career and since last two seasons been focusing on franchise cricket, exclusively.

Here’s the exact statement by Pietersen pertaining to Klassen

“South Africa have never won a cricket world cup! There should be a phone call this morning, from the South African cricket board, to Heinrich Klaasen, to ask him if he can rejoin international cricket and be a central figure in their campaign to try and win their first ever world cup which will be in South Africa next year.”

Now, it could he said that what KP, as he is lovingly called, has offered a very simple albeit passionate view. That’s given the fact that Klassen’s skills as a finisher in white ball format have been known to us all.

But reality bites hard  And just for is that? For real, Klassen has moved on from shouldering South African duties, his last proper ICC assignment being the world cup in the year 2024.

And on their part, the team under Markram and Bavuma too, looks like a sorted, if also, slightly new looking unit.

The likes of Corbin Bosch, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis and others have been a recruiting factor in the Proteas side and the same are being backed to deliver the goods under the commanding leadership of Markram with other key senior members of the side being Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and the likes.