as ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, South Africa officially there He announced his 15-member teamaiming to finally secure their first global titles. led Aiden Markramthe selection focuses heavily on raw tempo, but as does the inclusion of stars Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje overshadowed by a major selection controversy.
South African legend Dale Steyn has publicly voiced his disappointment over the exclusion of a particular form of accelerator, sparking a heated debate on social media. While the Proteas have favored high pace options, the absence of one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit has left fans and pundits questioning the team’s balance. The decision is particularly shocking given the bowler’s record-breaking run in the ongoing SA20 season.
Dale Steyn is worried about the pacer’s omission from South Africa’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
On January 6, 2026, Stein took to X (formerly Twitter) and expressed his disbelief. Ottoneil Baartmana player he mentored as bowling coach for three seasons Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Steyn argued that Baartman had become “one of SA’s best white-ball players” and his omission could not be justified given his current form. “He’s the highest wicket-taker in SA20, won the league twice and made the final… That’s a team with 4 internationals and all Proteas! He’s No.1,” Steyn tweeted. The legendary pacer stressed that Baartman will be unfairly “sitting at home” during the marquee tournament in India and Sri Lanka despite his “high quality” performances against the world’s best batsmen.
We really need to start looking at Baartman as one of SA’s best white ball bowlers.
He is the highest wicket taker in SA20, won the league twice and made the final, I remind you that this is a composition of 4 INTERNATIONAL players (scoring often) and all PROTEAS! His number is…
— Dale Stein (@DaleSteyn62) January 5, 2026
Steyn’s approval was based on Baartman’s unique ability to bowl accurate yorkers and variations that set him apart from the “raw pace” bowlers favored by the selectors. He noted that Baartman’s tactical execution makes him almost unplayable in a phase where the Proteas have historically struggled. Steyn’s post drew a huge backlash from the cricketing community, with many agreeing that the selection panel had led the way. Patrick Moroneymay have valued his reputation over ultimate statistical advantage. By naming Baartman as the best in the country, Steyn put huge pressure on the pace attack selected to justify their inclusion when the tournament begins next month.
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Unrivaled in-house advantage for an exceptional pacer
The numbers certainly back up Steyn’s ire as Baartman officially became the leading goalkeeper in SA20 history for the 2025-26 season. Playing for now Pearl RoyalsBaartman has already taken 11 wickets in just four matches at a remarkable average of 12.27, which he recently surpassed. Marco Jansen to rank first in the competition with 52 career wickets. His international record is equally impressive; Since his T20I debut in May 2024, the 32-year-old has taken 22 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 21.59. He reached despite being the main part of the team World Cup final 2024he has featured in just 11 of South Africa’s last 29 matches, a trend that has now resulted in his complete exclusion from the 2026 global showpiece.
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