South Africa, and the renewed sense of hope

The outlook:

Given the barrenness of their trophy cabinet, there has always been a feeling of 'now-or-never' to South Africa's campaign in big tournaments. Historically, they've been as bereft of luck as they've been of big-match temperament. Their most recent attempt in the 2015 World Cup Down Under ended in tears, despite them breaking the knockout jinx with a win in the quarterfinal, as New Zealand scripted a fairy tale of their own.

Like has been the case in a couple of previous showpiece events, South Africa are not short of confidence and the expectation levied on them but the focus will continue to be on their ability to shrug off any anxiety and tentativeness and achieve what they haven't in recent years - a victory in a knockout fixture.

The men who matter

Faf du Plessis, the South African Twenty20 captain, is holding his cards close to his chest as far as the opening combination is concerned. South Africa have the luxury, as well as the accompanying dilemma, of using two out of the three in Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers as openers. Once that is settled, there is a lot of big-hitting potential to follow, with the likes of JP Duminy, du Plessis and David Miller, who will be accustomed to the Indian conditions, thanks to their successful outings in several seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A T20 innings of 20 overs is often a game of two halves, with the second one proving to be immensely crucial. Even as South Africa will be heavily-reliant on their top-order, vital contributions from the likes of Chris Morris and Farhaan Behardien will go a long way in determining the fate of du Plessis's men.

That Dale Steyn's stocks of being one of the most feared fast bowlers in the modern-day game are on the decline doesn't bode well for the South Africans. He has grappled with injuries in the recent past and only made his return Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) series against Australia at home, where he managed two wickets in two fixtures.

While Steyn's impact wanes, South Africa should be buoyed by Kagiso Rabada's meteoric rise. The 20-year-old broke into the national side in Tests in 2015 (late 2014 in T20Is) after bowling himself to prominence in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2014. Among others, there will also be a few eyes on Chris Morris, who is rated massively in India - as he earned a bumper IPL contract worth INR 7 crore from the Delhi Daredevils. Match-turning efforts in the World T20 could vindicate the decision of the powers-that-be at the perennially- under performing and repeatedly -overhauling franchise.

ICYMI

The limelight rests on a strong batting line-up, but South Africa also have the services of Aaron Phangiso, the left-arm spinner, to bank on. In the sub-continental conditions, Imran Tahir will hold all the aces for his side on the field but ample support from Phangiso could help manage the workload in the course of a long tournament such as this. Phangiso, who was suspended over an illegal bowling action, has been cleared in the nick of time.

"We are really happy and relieved that Aaron has passed his re-test and he can now ready himself for the big tournament ahead. We have an important few weeks coming up in India so it's going to be important to have him in the right frame of mind both mentally and physically," Russell Domingo, the head coach, said on Wednesday (March 9).

Five key points

AB and crowd support

When India aren't playing, South Africa can expect massive crowd support. Nagpur and Delhi have already showered their love for the excitable batsman and the vociferous crowd at the Wanhkede stadium will also get their turn to adore the best batsman in the world. Chants of 'AB...AB' should motivate him to drive the side forward.

Recent form

South Africa have had a forgettable year in white flannels, losing back-to-back series in India and at home to England. There is a sense of transition to their Test side but both their limited-overs (ODI and T20I sides) outfits seem to be on the right track. Since July 2015, South Africa have won eight out of the 11 T20Is they have played, with two of the three losses coming in the recently-concluded home series against Australia.

Strength

The constantly-swaying nature of the format allows South Africa to beef up one department of the game - their batting - that helps them pepper over the cracks in the other department - their bowling. A deep batting line-up, with powerful hitters like de Villiers and Miller, will undoubtedly be the side's strength in the tournament.

Weakness

Inexperience in the bowling department could come as a drawback for an otherwise strong side. Despite playing just four T20Is in India, Steyn's experience over the years will still hold him in good stead, but the rest of the bowling line-up will have to be quick to adapt to the conditions.

The elusiveness of a big trophy

South Africa have produced some excellent cricketers over the years and continue to do so. From de Kock to Rabada, there is genuine talent coming through the ranks. Often in sport, a big prize tends to become the benchmark for generations to follow. While the cricketing baton in South Africa has been passed on well across eras, a trophy - such a World Cup - will go a long way in providing a benchmark for players of the future generations to aim at and even better it.

Spotlight's on

AB de Villiers, the fulcrum of South African cricket currently, will draw all the eyeballs of passionate fans who will fill the stands in India. He has pulled of many-a-heroic efforts in the past in Royal Challengers Bangalore colours in the sub-continent and will hope to repeat his audacious performances in South African colours too.

Schedule

March 18: vs England; Wanhkede Stadium, Mumbai

March 20: vs TBD; Wanhkede Stadium, Mumbai

March 25: vs West Indies; Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

March 28: vs Sri Lanka; Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Prediction: Final

South Africa fell at the second-last hurdle in the 50-over World Cup in 2015 but there were clear signs that the current lot were more than capable of shrugging off the dreaded C-word. Grouped with the three former T20 champions - England (2010), Sri Lanka (2014) and West Indies (2012) - they will have to produce some of their best performances to stand a chance to end their trophy drought. On current form, expect the side to edge past England and Sri Lanka to join West Indies in the last-four, and even sneak through to the final and get a real shot at glory.