In a significant setback for South Africa’s T20 ambitions, batter Tony de Zorzi and all-rounder Donovan Ferreira have been excluded from the 2026 T20 World Cup squad owing to injuries. The duo will also miss the crucial three-T20 series against West Indies, prompting immediate squad changes.
Ryan Rickelton, the reliable wicketkeeper-batter, and dynamic Tristan Stubbs have been drafted into the 15-man unit as replacements. As the Proteas fine-tune strategies for the India-Sri Lanka co-hosted event from February 7 to March 8, these inclusions bring fresh energy.
Drawn in Group D with Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and UAE, South Africa opens against Canada on February 9 at Ahmedabad’s iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. The team flies out on February 1 under Aiden Markram’s leadership.
De Zorzi continues to battle a right hamstring strain from the recent India ODIs, while Ferreira’s left collarbone fracture occurred in an SA20 match on January 17. David Miller’s adductor trouble rules him out of the West Indies series, with his World Cup hopes resting on medical clearance; Rubin Hermann fills the void temporarily.
Pace ace Lungi Ngidi’s leg niggle is on mend, positioning him for a World Cup return. Dewald Brevis, hero of a 75-run knock with a sore finger, faces scans but remains optimistic. The squad unites in Paarl on January 23, SA20 stars arriving January 26, before the series opener on January 27.
Despite the hurdles, South Africa’s depth shines through, setting the stage for a compelling World Cup narrative fueled by adaptability and grit.
