Exclusive: Robin Peterson Backs Proteas’ T20 World Cup Chances and Hails Ryan Rickelton’s Form

Former Proteas all-rounder and MI Cape Town coach Robin Peterson believes the Proteas have a good chance of winning the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and backs Ryan Rickelton to continue his rich vein of form batting at number three in the batting order. 

Proteas' Chances

South Africa completed a flawless run in the opening week of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India. 

They beat Canada comfortably to start their campaign, and hit the brick wall when they faced Afghanistan, but eventually won a thrilling double super over, and went on to put on a dominant victory over a strong New Zealand side, all in Ahmedabad. 

The match against Afghanistan showed that Proteas captain Aiden Markram and his troops have what it takes to stomach the nerves of a high-pressure World Cup game, as they won the double super over. 

Against New Zealand, Markram and his team knew that they would have to raise their game in order to beat Mitchell Santner and his troops on a flat wicket at the Narendra Modi Stadium over the weekend. 

Former all-rounder and clutch player, Robin Peterson, in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.co.za, highlighted that the Proteas are in the right path, having won a high-pressure match against Afghanistan and also New Zealand, all in one week. 

"They are in a good place. I think winning is always helpful. They have a good chance of going on to win it," Peterson said. 

"It's just about playing the big moments well, which they seem to do now as a team. So, they look in a good space, and they are organised as a unit."

Ryan Rickelton

Peterson has been coaching Proteas number three batter Ryan Rickelton for three straight seasons at MI Cape Town in the Betway SA20. 

Despite Rickelton having been excluded from the original Proteas World Cup squad, only to be brought in as a replacement for the injured Tony de Zorzi, Peterson always believed Rickelton had it in him to be successful at the World Cup. 

Rickelton has since batted at number three, a position below his usual position as an opening batter, and has been very successful, with scores of 33, 61 and 21 against Canada, Afghanistan and New Zealand, respectively.  

The explosive left-handed batter has recorded an average of 38.33 and an impressive strike-rate of 191.66, which paints a vivid picture of just how destructive he has been batting at number three for South Africa. 

Peterson, having worked closely with Rickelton between December and January, told SportsBoom.co.za that he is not surprised or shocked that Rickelton has done so well in the showpiece event.

"No, not really (I wasn't surprised). If you look at Ryan's record, he's got the ability to bat in the middle order as well," Peterson said.  

"He's done well once he got out of the power play, which means he plays that middle role quite well. It's different not starting the innings, but he's adapted quite well. He can play spin, and he's got all the options. He's a dangerous customer. So, I'm not surprised."

South Africa are currently placed at the top of the standings in Group D and has one more match remaining in the group stage, which is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 November against the United Arab Emirates.