South Africa announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa finished runners-up in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in 2024, losing the final to India at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. In 2026, they will look to go the distance under Aiden Markram’s leadership.

On Friday, January 2, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 9.

Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, and Jason Smith have been picked in a T20 World Cup squad for the first time in their careers.

However, Reeza Hendricks and Ottneil Baartman, who were a part of the recent five-match T20I series against India, have been left out. The most shocking omission, however, was that of Tristan Stubbs. He played just two games against India but failed to make a mark. However, the 25-year-old has a spectacular Indian Premier League (IPL) record, and his knowledge of conditions in the subcontinent could have come in handy for the Proteas.

Another name missing from the squad is that of wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton. South Africa have picked Donovan Ferreira as the backup wicketkeeper to Quinton de Kock.

Nortje, who recently recovered from injury and played two T20Is against India, has managed to hold onto his place in the side.

The experienced Kagiso Rabada is also there in the squad, and he will have to play a significant role in the 20-team tournament if the Proteas are to emerge victorious. The right-arm fast bowler missed the white-ball tour against the Men in Blue due to a rib injury.

South Africa’s 15-member squad for 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.