We can't drop our high intensity - Behardien
Despite the make-up of the T20 squad being vastly different to that of the Test outfit, interim captain Farhaan Behardien believes they have to bring the same high intensity into the three-match smash-and-grab series against Sri Lanka.
The Proteas wrapped up a comfortable whitewash over the Indian Ocean islanders in the recent Test Series.
"Sri Lanka could be a totally different kettle of fish with the white ball, but it is extremely important we carry the momentum forward that the Test and ODI sides have laid," said Behardien.
"We have very high expectations of ourselves and whatever game SrI Lanka bring, we have to adapt to new players and conditions and bring a high intensity," he added.
"If we drop our intensity against them, we could let them back into the game. It is our responsibility as a T20 group to try nullify that."
Behardien was named captain of what many consider to be an 'experimental' T20 squad, with six newcomers in the shortest format of the game.
The Titans veteran, however, shrugged off that notion.
"All players shown unbelievable form in domestic T20 cricket and have been the best in the last two months," the skipper pointed out.
"I think I prefer to use the word 'fresh' squad and not new. There are still many guys who have played for many years and some might be young, but have still played quite a lot of cricket. Yes, there are a few players being rested but these are the best in the country right now. We will also get to look at five or six fresh new faces as part of a succession plan to look forward to."
For now though, Behardien just wants to savour the occasion at the stadium he has called home for the past 11 years with the Titans.
"I keep mentioning that it's all still surreal. Maybe tomorrow (Friday) it will all sink in. A full house at SuperSport Park and driving into the stadium with a different purpose."
Usually I would just do my thing, hit balls, do my catching. Now i have to discuss tactics and strategy with players. Slightly different yes, but I'm super-excited."
And of imposing his own personal captaincy style on his charges ?
"As a captain I try being lighthearted. All I want is for each player to bring their own flare to the change room and perform at their very best."
"I have been under the tutelage of Albie (Morkel) for a long time and myself and David (Wiese) took over when he pulled up injured in the T20 final. Our style is for players to empower themselves and make their own decisions and that is the style I will try put across to the players. It's about knowing how to make good decisions in the pressure moments."
But the butterflies will no doubt still be fluttering in Behardien's stomach come Friday evening at a sold-out SuperSport Park, scene of the Titans' memorable T20 championship triumph over the Warriors just over a month ago.
VIDEO BY TREVOR CRAMER