Keshav Maharaj wants Proteas youngsters to express themselves against New Zealand

Proteas captain for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, Keshav Maharaj, has advised the largely second-string squad to express themselves and not try to impress or prove a point, as four players in the squad are uncapped.

Four players in the South Africa squad are uncapped in international cricket, including 19-year-old fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena, 24-year-old top-order batter Jordan Hermann, 24-year-old wicket-keeper batter Connor Esterhuizen, and 25-year-old all-rounder Dian Forrester.

Mokoena had a dream maiden SA20 with the Paarl Royals, where he took 13 wickets in 10 matches, and Esterhuizen had a decent season with the Pretoria Capitals, opening the batting with West Indies T20I captain Shai Hope.

Hermann played an integral part in the Sunrisers Eastern Cape winning their third SA20 title, while Forrester enjoyed some success for the Joburg Super Kings in his first SA20 campaign.

All four players could earn their international debut during the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in their backyard, with coach Shukri Conrad having rested his big guns — including full-time captain Aiden Markram — ahead of what will be a busy Indian Premier League for them later this month.

Stand-in captain Maharaj says the young players are showing great determination to make an impact in the series, leave their mark on the team, and put the big guns under pressure for their spot in the side.

Maharaj says the players attended the optional practice on Saturday, a day before the series starts in Mount Maunganui. "It's a really young group that we have. I think there's like six possible debutants within our squad," Maharaj told the media on Saturday.

"Guys have settled in nicely, asking a lot of questions. I think there are 13 guys at the optional practice. So that tells you how keen guys are to really leave a mark when they do get the opportunity."

It is natural for any player afforded the opportunity to represent their country to overextend themselves and look to prove a point. However, Maharaj has advised the youngsters not to do so. The stand-in skipper reiterated that the youngsters have been selected on merit — a feat that should put them at ease that they do belong at the international level.

"But it's not about impressing anyone because there's a reason why they're here," said Maharaj. "It's more about expressing their skill and doing what they do well to warrant their selection over here."

South Africa's first T20I match against New Zealand is scheduled to get underway at 8.15am.