5 South African players to watch out for in the 2015 World Cup

South Africa go into this World Cup like they have done in every other edition as favourites. The most underachieving team in World Cup history, the Saffers would be tormented by their past memories in the tournament, losing every single knockout match that they have played at World Cups.They havent had the best of luck either, rain playing spoilsport a couple of times and pressure getting the better of them at other times. Under AB de Villiers, though, they would look to repaint their sorry canvas with brighter colours at this World Cup, given quite a few things are going their way.South Africa have probably the best all-round team for all conditions in this World Cup. World-class pace bowlers, a good legspinner, all-rounders, sloggers, solid top-order batsmen you name it, theyhave it. Most importantly, they will be playing on grounds and pitchesthat will be quite similar to what they have back home.Under their present skipper, AB de Villiers, South Africa have won 32 out of 58 matches and 22 out of 39 matches, away or in a neutral venue. In the last 12 months, South Africa have won 10 out of 16 games too, giving them a good win percentage, although, their win-loss record against Australia, probably their toughest competitor this World Cup,in the last 2 years is a mixed bag 3 wins and 4 losses.How South Africa fare though, will depend on how their best players rise up to the occasion. Most importantly, this is a team that has peaked and matured together, with most of their players in the XI, playing at least 30 ODIs in the last couple of years.We take a look at 5 South Africans we must watch out for at this World Cup.

#5 Quinton de Kock

There is a reason why Quinton de Kock features in this list ahead of JP Duminy, David Miller and Faf du Plessis.

De Kock is third behind AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla in runs scored over the last 1 year for the Proteas. He scores at a breathtaking strike-rate of over 90. He is one of the most exciting young players around the world and is also the wicket-keeper for South Africa, relieving his skipper of duties that the latter has always approached with caution.

Along with Amla, he forms a left-right combination at the start that mixes caution with aggression, ensuring that bowling line-ups around the world have plenty to deal with right from the start. De Kock is also a century maker, stacking them at will once he gets the starts. The 22-year-old could possibly be South Africa’s secret weapons while teams go about fearing the likes of de Villiers, Amla, Miller and the ever consistent du Plessis.