New Delhi, February 17 Dewald Brevis possesses an "X-factor" that no one should try to tamper with, said South Africa's specialist consultant coach Albie Morkel ahead of the team's final group league game against UAE here on Wednesday.
Brevis has managed only 50 runs in the tournament so far, with scores of 23, 21, and 6 in three games. His form is the only concern for the Proteas ahead of their crucial Super 8s game against India in Ahmedabad on February 22.
When asked if there had been any discussions with the young player, Morkel replied: "As I said, there have been no discussions. I mean, we see him as a player with an "X-factor." We feel that if you try to tell him how to play, you take away that "X-factor."
Morkel believes that Brevis's high-risk, high-reward style can frustrate fans, but it will also bring the best results.
"And he will frustrate you at some stage, but he will also win you games. So the best way for us with him is just to let him be that player. We have enough players around him who can handle the situation if needed, but he is certainly our "X-factor" player."
On captain Aiden Markram's impactful innings against New Zealand the other evening in Ahmedabad, Morkel described him as a key player for major tournaments.
"Aiden is a key player in major tournaments. Most of our players had good performances during the SA20. So when you come into a World Cup with players in form, I think that's important. And then, as I said, he (Markram) knows when to step up."
He also explained why Markram has sometimes been less effective during bilateral T20I series.
"Sometimes, and I don't want to downplay this, but sometimes, playing a T20 series after a Test series, the players are a little tired, and that can obviously affect their performance. But even if you look at his record in the previous World Cup, he is one of the best batsmen."
What makes Markram special is the respect he commands in the dressing room.
"He is a good leader. He is well respected. So I think that's the key difference," said Morkel.
