Critical changes made in South Africa squad for T20 World Cup 2026.
The South Africa squad is riddled with injuries going into the T20 World Cup 2026 next month. In a recent announcement by Cricket South Africa (CSA), Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs will board the flight instead of Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira.
All T20 World Cup 2026 Squads: Every Squad Named for the Upcoming ICC Tournament
Tony de Zorzi was batting on 17 off 11 when he injured his hamstring during the 2nd ODI against India in Raipur. The southpaw, batting at No.6, couldn’t manage running between the wickets and was taken out of the field. However, he was added to the South Africa squad, hoping he would recover in time.
But CSA’s statement includes that de Zorzi is not recovering well. Ryan Rickelton, who was in blazing form around the time of squad selection, has continued his momentum in the ongoing SA20 2026 as well. The MI Cape Town is the second-highest run-getter of the tournament with 337 runs in 10 matches. He also has two centuries to his name and a show-stopping strike rate of 156.
On the other hand, Donovan Ferreira, who lacked form, was still added to the South Africa squad. Before his selection, he had 54 runs in three outings for Joburg Super Kings. He added 49 runs in the remaining five games. While Ferreira’s form was not in sight, a shoulder fracture has ruled him out of the team.
The replacement, Tristan Stubbs, will add balance to the South Africa squad. He made 129 runs in eight SA20 2026 outings for Sunrisers Eastern Cape. He holds an average of 43, albeit misses consistency. However, he is a known power-hitter who changes the game in the tail end of the innings. His IPL experience will also come into play.
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Pretoria Capitals batter, Dewald Brevis, also picked up an injury in SA20 2026. He injured his finger while fielding, but returned to bat. He smashed a match-winning 38-ball 75 not out to help his team reach the final. However, his presence in the South Africa squad remains subject to fitness. He underwent scans, and the final word from CSA is awaited.
While playing for Paarl Royals in SA20 2026, David Miller suffered a groin injury, ruling him out of the eliminator against Joburg Super Kings.
Before the ICC event in India and Sri Lanka, South Africa will host West Indies for three T20Is at home. Among the many changes in the injury-laden South Africa squad, Rubin Hermann will replace Miller for the bilateral series.
Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, and Tristan Stubbs.
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