Cricket South Africa (CSA) Made one of the most debated selection calls ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026dropping an in-form batsman Tristan Stubbs From his 15-member team. This tournament will be played in India and Sri Lanka early next year.
While Stubbs’ omission has surprised fans and experts, the fast bowler’s return has given South Africa a boost Kagiso RabadaWho could not play in the recent home series against India due to injury. led the squad aiden markramIt reflects a mix of experience and new faces as the Proteas aim to challenge for their maiden T20 World Cup title.
T20 World Cup 2026: Tristan Stubbs’ omission raises eyebrows
Stubbs’ exclusion has become the biggest talking point of South Africa’s selection. Stubbs has cemented his place in the Proteas’ white-ball plans, especially after two excellent seasons Indian Premier League (IPL)In the last two IPL editions, Stubbs scored almost 700 runs at a whopping strike rate of 170,83, which was similar to the conditions expected in the T20 World Cup,
However, it appears that the selectors have given more importance to recent international form. In T20Is during 2025, Stubbs could only score 152 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 121.60, a number that likely influenced the decision. Regardless of the argument, many observers believe that his power-hitting ability could have been a great asset on subcontinent pitches.
Jason Smith surprisingly included in World Cup
In a contrasting move, middle-order batsman Jason Smith has received his first World Cup call-up. The 31-year-old has limited international experience, having played just two T20 matches for South Africa with a strike rate of 128.30. Nevertheless, his explosive domestic performances have clearly impressed the selectors.
Smith came into limelight last year by playing a stormy innings of 68 runs in just 19 balls for Dolphins in the domestic T20 Challenge and took his team to the playoffs. He then scored a quickfire 41 off 14 balls for MI Cape Town against the Super Giants in Durban, underscoring his ability to change games quickly.
South Africa’s dangerous pace attack strengthened with the return of Kagiso Rabada
South Africa’s bowling arsenal has been significantly strengthened by the return of Kagiso Rabada. The fast bowler joins an already strong fast bowling unit of Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jensen and Corbin Bosch.
Top-order batsman Reeza Hendricks along with fast bowlers Otniel Bartman and Lutho Sipamla have been dropped from the team that recently toured India. This shuffle signals a clear focus on raw speed and all-round versatility.
Despite the bold call, South Africa have continued to support senior campaigners Quinton de Kock, David Miller and spin leader Keshav Maharaj. Promising left-arm fast bowler Kwena Mafaka has also retained his place.
Also read: Afghanistan announces squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Gulbadin Naib, Naveen-ul-Haq return
Meanwhile, Dewald Brewis, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde and Tony De Zorzi are set to play their first T20 World Cup.
South Africa squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Tony De Zorzi, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Mafaka, Jason Smith.
Also read: England reveal provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Jamie Smith
