South Africa Cricket has officially announced the appointment of Shukri Conrad as their new all-format head coach, expanding his role beyond the Test side to include limited-overs cricket. Conrad, who has been at the helm of the Proteas' red-ball team since 2023, will now oversee the national team in ODIs and T20s, with his contract extending through to the 2027 World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa.

Conrad's Journey and Achievements

Conrad's tenure as the Test coach has been marked by significant milestones, including leading South Africa to the World Test Championship final against Australia. His strategic acumen and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the team's performance in the longest format of the game.

Transition to Limited-Overs Cricket

Taking over from Rob Walter, who resigned in April after guiding South Africa to the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Conrad faces the challenge of maintaining the team's momentum in limited-overs cricket. His first assignment will be a four-match T20 tour of Zimbabwe in July, followed by white-ball tours of Australia and England.

Upcoming Challenges

Before the T20 leg of their tour, South Africa will face Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's on 11 June and play a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Conrad's dual role will test his ability to balance the demands of all three formats, as he works closely with a yet-to-be-appointed selector.

Looking Ahead

With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Conrad's leadership will be crucial in shaping South Africa's strategy and squad dynamics. His experience and vision will be key as the Proteas aim to build on their recent successes and compete at the highest level in international cricket.