T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa Announce Squad Blending Experience and Youth

South Africa have announced a squad combining experience and youth for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed the team on Friday, with regular T20 captain Aiden Markram named as skipper.
Seven players are set to feature in a T20 World Cup for the first time as the global tournament, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February–March, presents a fresh-looking South African side. The newcomers include batters Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi and Jason Smith, all-rounders George Linde and Donovan Ferreira, and bowlers Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka.
Quinton de Kock has returned to the national setup after a long break, having made himself available for international cricket again in October. The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to open the innings alongside David Miller. From the South African squad that finished runners-up at the 2024 T20 World Cup, only seven players have been retained this time, with Miller among them. The primary spin responsibilities will be handled by Keshav Maharaj and George Linde.
Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack. The star fast bowler recently returned from a rib injury, making his comeback on New Year’s Eve after nearly ten weeks on the sidelines. He will be supported by a strong pace unit featuring Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch and left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka.
After the disappointment of falling short in the final of the previous edition, the Proteas will head into the 2026 World Cup with renewed determination to claim the title.
South Africa squad:Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith.