By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 with Aiden Markram set to lead the 15-member side.
Proteas batter and Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Tristan Stubbs has been excluded from the squad.
Fast bowler Ottneil Baartman, batters Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen are also set to miss out on the showpiece event.
The squad includes maiden T20 World Cup call ups for Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, and Jason Smith.
Another notable inclusion is paceman Anrich Nortje, who finished as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker at the 2024 edi4on of the T20 World Cup, where South Africa ended as runners-up.
The squad also includes experienced bacers Quinton de Kock and David Miller, along with spinner Keshav Maharaj, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and all-rounder Marco Jansen.
“We have had to make some big calls, but we feel this group is the strongest and has every chance of succeeding in India and Sri Lanka,” said CSA convenor selector Patrick Moroney.
“We have assembled a world-class squad with some of the finest and most experienced players in the game, together with some of the best T20 youngsters coming through.”
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad added: “We are returning to the sub-continent, where we recently competed against hosts India. The experience we gained playing in those conditions will undoubtedly benefit us as we head into this tournament.”
“Many of the players selected for the World Cup squad were on that trip and experienced first-hand the pitches that we will likely encounter and that will stand them in good stead once we get to India.”
“We do have one more T20I series against the West Indies before we depart for the World Cup, and that squad will be announced later this month.”
Proteas Squad – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Smith.
South Africa are drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, and will begin their campaign on 09 February against Canada in Ahmedabad.