Cricket South Africa (CSA) we made one of the most talked about selection calls ahead ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026leave the dough in the form Tristan Stubbs of their 15-member staff. The tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka early next year.
While Stubbs’ absence came as a shock to fans and pundits alike, South Africa were boosted by the return of their paceman. Kagiso Rabadawho missed the last home series against India due to injury. The staff headed by him Aiden MarkramThe Proteas feature a mix of experience and fresh faces as they aim to challenge for their maiden T20 World Cup title.
T20 World Cup 2026: Tristan Stubbs’ omission raises eyebrows
Stubbs’ dismissal quickly became the biggest talking point in South Africa’s selection. Stubbs had cemented his place in the Proteas’ white-ball plans, especially after two remarkable seasons. Indian Premier League (IPL). In the last two IPL editions, Stubbs thrived in the expected conditions in the T20 World Cup, scoring close to 700 runs at an amazing strike rate of 170.83.
However, the selectors seem to have been more drawn to the recent international form. In T20Is during 2025, Stubbs managed just 152 runs from seven overs at a strike rate of 121.60, which contributed to the decision. Logically, many observers believe his power hitting ability could be a major asset on subcontinental pitches.
Jason Smith has earned a surprise World Cup call-up
In a contrasting move, middle-order batsman Jason Smith received his first World Cup call-up. The 31-year-old has limited international experience, having played just two T20Is for South Africa at a strike rate of 128.30. However, his explosive domestic performances have clearly impressed voters.
Smith grabbed the spotlight in last year’s domestic T20 Challenge with a 68 off just 19 balls for the Dolphins and led his side to the playoffs. He followed that up with a brisk 41 off 14 deliveries for MI Cape Town against the Durban Super Giants, highlighting his ability to change games quickly.
Kagiso Rabada’s return bolsters South Africa’s fearsome pace attack
The return of Kagiso Rabada greatly strengthens South Africa’s bowling arsenal. The fast bowler joins an already formidable pace unit of Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch.
Fast bowlers Ottneil Baartman and Lutho Sipam were dropped from the squad that toured India recently, along with top-order batsman Reeza Hendricks. The change shows a clear focus on raw pace and all-round versatility.
Despite the bold calls, South Africa continued to back senior campaigners Quinton de Kock, David Miller and spin leader Keshav Maharaj. Promising left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka also retained his place.
Also READ: Afghanistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Gulbadin Naib, Navin-ul-Haq returns
Meanwhile, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde and Tony de Zorzi are gearing up for their maiden T20 World Cup.
South Africa squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Flag, Jason Smith, Jason Smith.
Also READ: England announce provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Jamie Smith
