Richard Levi feels that he’s a better player than when he played in the CLT20 two seasons ago because he now has a plan to combat the spinners.

The question mark that ultimately saw the opening batsman lose his place in the Proteas T20 setup was his inability to deal with spin during the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. He also struggled in the IPL where the Mumbai Indians offered him limited opportunities. The 26-year-old believes that it was never a technical issue and says that he is ready to set the record straight.

‘I have the technique and the shots to deal with them [the spinners],’ Levi told the Cape Cobras website.

‘I think it was a case of clouded judgement,’ he said about his difficulties against spinners in the past.

Levi has now spent a few seasons playing top-class cricket locally and in England. His failures have helped the young man mature. Being bogged down by spinners won’t dent his ego and cause him to look for a quick release because he realises that he will catchup if he keeps his head and stays at the crease.

Despite few critics talking up the Cape Cobras’ chances, Levi believes his side can succeed. Dale Steyn is unavailable, but there are a number of players with international quality coming in to boost the ranks of the team that finished second in the South African domestic competition.

‘We were always without our international stars when we reached the final of the RAM SLAM T20 Challenge last season. Now we also have Vernon Philander,  Rory Kleinveldt and Robin Peterson to add to our already impressive squad,’ he said.

The key to the Cape Cobras chances in India will be their intimidating opening partnership. Levi will be joined by Hashim Amla at the top of the order. If they click then no target will be out of their reach.

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