Former South African cricketer Jean-Paul Duminy believes that South Africa have a genuine chance of going all the way at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. The Proteas are still searching for their maiden T20 World Cup title, with their best finish coming in the 2024 edition, where they ended as runners-up after a seven-run defeat to India in the final in Barbados. South Africa are currently engaged in a three-match T20I series against the West Indies as part of their preparations, before traveling to India for the global tournament.

The Proteas will kick off their Group D campaign against Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 9.

They will then face Afghanistan, New Zealand, and the UAE in the remainder of the group stage.

"We have been playing really good cricket over the last year or so, particularly in white-ball formats, and the squad we have certainly gives us a chance to go all the way. There's always that elusive thought of when South Africa will win a white-ball competition, and I think we give ourselves a good chance going into this one," Duminy said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

The upcoming tournament will mark South Africa’s first white-ball assignment under head coach Shukri Conrad, who took charge as the all-format coach in July last year.

Duminy, a veteran of six T20 World Cups for South Africa, highlighted the form of captain Aiden Markram as a crucial factor in determining how far the Proteas progress in the competition.

"What stands out for me is the form of the players, especially the captain.

From a batting point of view, the form he's in is important, and if he plays well, we give ourselves a very good chance as a team," said Duminy.

He is currently featuring in the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa and described his involvement in the tournament as a rewarding experience. Duminy signed off by noting that the competitive spirit remains very much alive among former players.

"It's been great. You get to see familiar faces you've played with and against over the years. Being part of a tournament like this, playing the game we love and bringing people together, is really awesome. The competitive nature never disappears. Everyone still wants to play at a level that gives them the best chance of winning games. Beyond that, it's the camaraderie - the change room, the banter that you miss, and coming together to play the game again brings all of that back,” said Duminy.