Proteas T20 captain JP Duminy expects AB de Villiers to be a regular starter in the upcoming series against India. 

De Villiers has struggled for form, which saw him score 26, 6 and 30 in the recent ODI series against the Indians, and he will need a boost of confidence ahead of the all-important Test series against Australia.

It’s crucial that the 33-year-old fires ‘on all cylinders’ against the Australians, and the T20 series against India will be the perfect platform for De Villiers to regain his form.

With three potential debutants in Christiaan Jonker, Junior Dala and Heinrich Klaasen in the squad, it seems likely that those who will be in the Test squad for the Australian series will be rested – but not De Villiers.

Duminy confirmed that rotation will take place, but that they needed De Villiers to win the T20 series.

‘He [De Villiers] is there to start. He’s in the squad and is obviously a key player for us. We’re going to need him to fire on all cylinders,’ said Duminy on Saturday.

‘The standard that he sets for himself is a high one on a whole. He prides himself on his performances and he will no doubt be hungry to put in a big performance for the team.

‘So I expect nothing less from him, as much as he expects nothing less from himself. I’m looking forward to what he can produce.’

The first T20 will take place at the Wanderers on Sunday at 14:30.

Proteas T20 squad: JP Duminy (Cape Cobras, captain), Farhaan Behardien (Titans), Junior Dala (Titans), AB de Villiers (Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Highveld Lions), Christiaan Jonker (Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), David Miller (Knights), Chris Morris (Titans), Dane Paterson (Cape Cobras), Aaron Phangiso (Highveld Lions), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Jon-Jon Smuts (Warriors).

Photo: Pal Pillai/IDI via Getty Images