Smith also feels their World T20 hopes will hinge on whether they get the team combination and batting position of AB de Villiers spot on.

South Africa take on England in their first game of the tournament in Mumbai on Friday and Smith claims De Villiers should bat at No3, having opened the innings for their last six T20 internationals.

“Where do they bat AB de Villiers? That is the main challenge. Should AB bat at the top of the order or at four? Personally, I would bat AB in the top order, preferably at No3 but I don’t think Faf du Plessis will allow that to happen. AB just needs to find his way in T20 cricket.

He is the most dynamic batsman in the world and once he formulates his method, he will be excellent to watch,” Smith told Sport360.

“I think the issue with them is the combination. They are uncertain about their bowling unit. Do they play the extra batter, an all rounder or a bowler?

“Imran Tahir is an excellent bowler in limited overs cricket and JP Duminy plays the role of part-time spinner well. But they have to decide whether they play (left-arm spinner Aaron) Phangiso. Also, do they select all-rounders Chris Morris and David Wiese or seamer Kyle Abbott? I don’t think they are sure of what their best team is.”

Even though the line-up doesn’t look settled, Smith thinks the South Africans have enough talent in the squad to harbour title hopes. But for that, they must start well.

“They certainly have the firepower with the bat and ball. But South Africa need to start well. If they come under pressure in the first two games, it is going to be very tough for them,” he added.

One player who will be watched closely is pace ace Dale Steyn. The 32-year-old is coming back after a long time out due to injury and how effective he is on Indian wickets will be of huge importance.

“Steyn and Rabada are the key. Steyn is coming back after a long injury layoff, but he looks okay. It’s about what impact Steyn makes with the ball. I wouldn’t want to see Steyn go four overs none for 28. If he can go two for 35, and the same for Rabada, that will allow Tahir to control the middle overs. Steyn mustn’t be a defensive bowler,” he added.

While the South Africans won the limited overs leg of their India tour, they lost the T20 series to Australia at home and that has meant that the Proteas won’t be in the best form going into the tournament.

“They dominated India in the limited over series. But they had an indifferent summer at home in Tests. They did a little bit better against England but lost to Australia.

It was not the best build-up for them,” Smith, who is working as a pundit for OSN, said.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

England: Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Reece Topley

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis (capt), David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, JP Duminy, Chris Morris, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn

Live on OSN Cricket HD, 18:00 (Friday)