Cricket South Africa (CSA) have made one of the most debated selection calls ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, leaving out in-form batter Tristan Stubbs from their 15-member squad. The tournament will be played in India and Sri Lanka early next year.

While Stubbs’ omission has shocked fans and experts, South Africa have been boosted by the return of pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who missed the recent home series against India due to injury. The squad, led by Aiden Markram, reflects a blend of experience and fresh faces as the Proteas aim to challenge for their maiden T20 World Cup title.

T20 World Cup 2026: Tristan Stubbs omission raises eyebrows

The exclusion of Stubbs has quickly become the biggest talking point of South Africa’s selection. Stubbs had seemingly cemented his place in the Proteas’ white-ball plans, particularly after two outstanding seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Across the last two IPL editions, Stubbs scored close to 700 runs at a staggering strike rate of 170.83, thriving in conditions similar to those expected at the T20 World Cup.

However, selectors appear to have weighed recent international form more heavily. In T20Is during 2025, Stubbs managed only 152 runs from seven innings at a strike rate of 121.60, numbers that likely influenced the decision. Despite the logic, many observers believe his power-hitting ability could have been a major asset on subcontinental pitches.

Jason Smith earns surprise World Cup call-up

In a contrasting move, middle-order batter Jason Smith has received his maiden World Cup call-up. The 31-year-old has limited international experience, having played just two T20Is for South Africa with a strike rate of 128.30. Yet, his explosive domestic performances have clearly impressed the selectors.

Smith shot into the spotlight with a blistering 68 off just 19 balls for the Dolphins in last year’s domestic T20 Challenge, steering his side into the playoffs. He followed that up with a rapid 41 off 14 deliveries for MI Cape Town against Durban’s Super Giants, underlining his ability to change games quickly.

Kagiso Rabada’s return bolsters South Africa’s fearsome pace attack

The return of Kagiso Rabada significantly strengthens South Africa’s bowling arsenal. The fast bowler joins an already formidable pace unit featuring Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch.

From the squad that toured India recently, fast bowlers Ottneil Baartman and Lutho Sipamla have been dropped, along with top-order batter Reeza Hendricks. The reshuffle indicates a clear focus on raw pace and all-round versatility.

Despite bold calls, South Africa have continued to back senior campaigners Quinton de Kock, David Miller and spin leader Keshav Maharaj. Promising left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka has also retained his place.

Also READ: Afghanistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Gulbadin Naib, Naveen-ul-Haq return

Meanwhile, Dewald Brevis, 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 (c), Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Tony de Zorzi, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Jason Smith.

Also READ: England unveils provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Jamie Smith

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