NEW DELHI: Former South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris said he was happy to see T20 World Cup-bound players performing well in the ongoing SA20, but admitted there were concerns over injuries creeping in ahead of the marquee event.

South Africa were forced to make two changes to their T20 World Cup squad on Thursday, with Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs replacing Tony De Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira after both picked up injuries during the SA20.

SA T20 World Cup squad change: Rickelton, Stubbs replace injured pair

David Miller also missed Paarl Royals’ Eliminator against Joburg Super Kings on Thursday, while Lungi Ngidi was limited to just two overs for Pretoria Capitals in the Qualifier against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

Capitals batter Dewald Brevis suffered a finger injury as well during his match-winning 75 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on January 21.

“I think the proof is in the pudding. I think we've had a few guys that have gone down with injuries, unfortunately. Look, it is a very tight schedule. But that's the nature of the beast. And players knew what was coming,” Morris told PTI-Bhasha during a select media interaction facilitated by SA20.

“Obviously, you're playing day in, day out. Don't put it past the IPL. It's the same because you've obviously got to travel, you've got high-intensity games. You go to bed late at night and the next morning you're up, you're travelling,” he added.

Man-management the key

Morris stressed that managing players carefully has become crucial in such packed tournaments.

“And the next day you've got training and recovery. So, it is about man-management. Obviously, the coaching staff, they know exactly what they need to do. Potentially, there could be a case of maybe rotating squads.

“But when you've got a good team that's winning and trying to get into a playoff, you don't really want to do that. So it's difficult.”

Morris, who represented South Africa in 42 ODIs, 23 T20Is and four Tests, also spoke about the mental and physical toll of playing in a high-intensity league like SA20.

The former all-rounder, who is part of the commentary panel this season, said players must find ways to cope with the constant demands.

“It really is tough on the body. Mentally, it really does drain you. As a professional cricketer, you find a way to do something. You find a way to win a game. Fortunately, we've got a couple of fit boys. We've had a few injuries. Hopefully not too bad,” he said.

Confidence boost ahead of World Cup

Despite the injury concerns, Morris was encouraged by the performances of players named in South Africa’s squad for next month’s T20 World Cup.

“I think it's been a great run for the guys that are in the squad. I think in general, around the whole tournament, even the guys that aren't in the squad, I think it's been a great performance from them,” he said.

“I like to think that a lot of the South African players stepped up nicely. I mean, there's no better practice going into a big tournament,” Morris noted.

Morris, who joined Rajasthan Royals for a then record Rs 16.25 crore in IPL 2021, said he was especially pleased to see Kagiso Rabada finding form again after recovering from a rib injury.

“I'm happy that Rabada is running in again. Obviously, coming back from injury he was very nervous coming into that first few games. Obviously, that's natural with an injury, But hitting those lengths that we've come to know so well. So happy to see KG going,” he said.

He also believes spinners could play a decisive role in the T20 World Cup, backing Keshav Maharaj and George Linde to make an impact.

“I think Keshav Maharaj bowled beautifully. He has been vital to Pretoria Capitals doing well. He bowled really well. He's led well. Maybe a slightly slow start to the tournament, but he's figured out a way on different types of pitches to do the business,” Morris said.

The 38-year-old then praised Linde for delivering on batting-friendly surfaces.

“George Linde bowled really, really nicely. And if we can get those two bowling in tandem and really asking the right questions to international batters, then we'll be in good stead. I'm a big fan of spinners in T20 cricket because I do think they affect the game a lot, even when the wicket is good.

“We've seen at a place like Centurion, it's a paradise to bat on. But if you look at the stats, the spinners are the ones that actually break partnerships,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)