And though Rassie van der Dussen wasn\u2019t part of that win, the veteran batter believes the psychological shift that followed is being felt across formats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt feels like there's a difference,\u201d said van der Dussen, captaining South Africa's T20I side in the Zimbabwe tri-series. \u201cMaybe it's boiled over from winning the Test Championship because we won that match when it counts, so it's almost like we can experiment more.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That freedom to experiment \u2014 without fear of judgment or failure \u2014 is the hallmark of a new era under head coach Shukri Conrad. Known for his no-frills, localised approach, Conrad is now in charge of the white-ball sides and already making his philosophy clear: play authentically, even if that means falling short.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are not trying things for the sake of trying it, or guys being chosen for the sake of being chosen,\u201d van der Dussen said. \u201cIt's about trying things with the understanding that it's okay if you get it wrong, but you can only get to the other side if you try it properly and authentically.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With key names like Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada rested, van der Dussen leads a squad full of fringe players looking to break into the first team. And he welcomes the competition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLhuan-dre [Pretorius], with what he has done domestically and at the SA20, you could just see that this guy needs to play at this level. And Brevis, through performance over the last six months, is putting guys under pressure,\u201d he said. \u201cYou want someone breathing down your neck, because that's fair. That keeps you on your toes.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With key names like Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada rested, van der Dussen leads a squad full of fringe players looking to break into the first team. And he welcomes the competition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While a place in the final looks likely for South Africa, van der Dussen is clear: winning is important, but the journey matters more. \u201cWe want to win every match,\u201d he said, \u201cbut we are also encouraged to be our best version\u2026 If we fall short, that's okay, we fall short on our terms.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n