South Africa has named its squad for the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka scheduled for February-March 2026. The Proteas will be led by Aiden Markram, with pace spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, who made his comeback on New Year’s Eve after almost ten weeks out with a rib injury. Rabada impressed for MI Cape Town in the SA20, taking 2 for 48 in his first game back.
The pace department also features Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Kwena Maphaka, giving South Africa a strong and varied attack. Maphaka and Bosch are among seven players making their T20 World Cup debuts, alongside batters Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Jason Smith, and allrounders George Linde and Donovan Ferreira.
Key Squad Inclusions and Changes
The squad sees a mix of experience and new talent. Only seven players from the team that reached the 2024 T20 World Cup final are included this time. Notable returns include Quinton de Kock at the top of the order, while David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje bring continuity from previous campaigns.
Several players are absent: Heinrich Klaasen has retired, while Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, and Tabraiz Shamsi have been left out. Many of these players are still active in T20 franchise leagues, including the SA20, ILT20, and BBL.
New inclusions like Tony de Zorzi and Jason Smith provide fresh options. De Zorzi, recovering from a hamstring injury, is well-suited to subcontinental conditions, while Smith has impressed as a finisher in domestic T20 competitions. Smith also adds a potential seam-bowling option, though he has not bowled since October.
Spin Options and Coaching Setup
South Africa’s spin attack will rely on Keshav Maharaj and George Linde as left-arm spinners, with Markram and Donovan Ferreira providing off-spin options. Left-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi is no longer part of the team following contractual issues with Cricket South Africa.
This will be the first white-ball tournament under all-format coach Shukri Conrad, supported by Ashwell Prince (batting coach), Piet Botha (bowling coach), and Kruger van Wyk (fielding coach). T20 specialist Albie Morkel will also assist as a consultant, bringing experience from the SA20.
South Africa’s preparations include participation in the SA20, followed by a three-match T20I series against the West Indies, before flying to India. The Proteas will open their World Cup campaign against Canada on February 9, and also face Afghanistan, New Zealand, and the UAE in the group stage.
South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith
