T20 World Cup 2026: Stubbs and Rickelton get Dutch! Arch in Aiden Markram’s hands, 7 players get World Cup tickets for the first time

2024 T20 World Cup runners-up South Africa on Friday announced their 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Aiden Markram will lead the team for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka. Kagiso Rabada has returned to the squad, while seven players will make their World Cup debuts.

Kagiso Rabada returns to the squad

The biggest piece of good news for South Africa is the return of Kagiso Rabada. The veteran fast bowler missed the recent ODI series against India due to a rib injury. However, he is now fully recovered and fit for the World Cup. Rabada’s return will strengthen South Africa’s fast bowling. Enrich Nortje has also been included in the squad. Keshav Maharaj and George Linde have been included in the spin department. Left-arm spinner Kwena Mphaka has also been selected in the squad.

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Some key players in the batting order have been neglected. Wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton has been dropped from the squad, while middle-order batsman Tristan Stubbs has also been dropped. The selectors have given a chance to Jason Smith, who has played only two T20 Internationals so far.

Youngsters Dewald Bruis and Donovan Ferreira have been named in the squad. Both will strengthen the middle order. Experienced players Quinton de Kock and David Miller are key players in the team. South Africa have been placed in Group D along with Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. This is a challenging group, with New Zealand and Afghanistan expected to be tough contests.

South Africa will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad. After finishing runners-up in 2024, South Africa will be hoping to win the title and finally end their long wait for the ICC white-ball trophy.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT

The South African Men’s selection panel has announced the 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from 07 February – 08 March.

T20 International (T20I) captain Aiden Markram will lead the side, which… pic.twitter.com/EqZvYPpCga

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) January 2, 2026

South Africa squad for 2026 T20 World Cup

Aidan Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Enrique Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Tony De Zorzi, Corbin Bosh, Kwena Mfaka, Jason Smith.