2024 IPL: Trophy-hunting Proteas accept bizarre reality of T20 World Cup 'trials'

If ever there was a phlegmatic, measured Proteas head coach suited for the bizarre new realities of international cricket, it's Rob Walter.

Ethereally calm, the national white-ball mentor will start holding trials for the T20 World Cup squad - which takes place in the USA and Caribbean mid-year - via proxy tournaments, notably the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The annual jamboree of the world's elite short-form players starts on Friday afternoon (SA time) with a meeting between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chepauk, where South African representation is limited to the evergreen Faf du Plessis - at 39 still RCB's skipper.