South Africa have announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. The Proteas will look to go one step further after finishing runners-up in the last edition. They lost the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup to India in Barbados.
The upcoming tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It will be played from February 7 to March 9. On Friday, January 2, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed a 15-member squad for the event.
Aiden Markram will lead the side. The team management has mixed experience with young talent. Several players have earned their first T20 World Cup call-up.
New faces and big omissions for South Africa squad
Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, and Jason Smith have been selected for the T20 World Cup for the first time in their careers.
Their performances in recent domestic and international matches impressed the selectors. However, some well-known names are missing.
Reeza Hendricks and Ottneil Baartman were left out despite featuring in the recent T20I series against India. The biggest surprise omission is Tristan Stubbs.
He played only two matches against India and did not perform well. Still, many expected him to be selected due to his strong IPL record. His experience in Indian conditions could have helped South Africa. Wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton is also not part of the squad.
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Quinton de Kock will be the first-choice wicketkeeper. Donovan Ferreira has been named as the backup option. Anrich Nortje has retained his place after recovering from injury. He recently played two T20Is against India.
Kagiso Rabada is also included. The fast bowler missed the recent white-ball tour of India due to a rib injury. His role will be crucial if South Africa want to win the tournament. South Africa will be aiming for their first T20 World Cup title.
South Africa squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Jason Smith, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.
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