South Africa have received a timely boost ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with veteran batter David Miller medically cleared to feature in the tournament scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka next month.
The 36-year-old left-hander had been sidelined after suffering an adductor strain while representing Paarl Royals in the SA20, an injury that forced him to miss the franchise’s final matches as well as South Africa’s recent T20I series against West Indies. However, following a successful fitness test earlier this week, Miller has now been given the green light by the Proteas’ medical team.
Miller’s return comes as a major relief for South Africa as they put the finishing touches on their T20 World Cup preparations. The experienced middle-order batter is expected to play a crucial role in the line-up, particularly as a finisher, where his power-hitting and composure under pressure have long been key assets in the shortest format.
Following medical clearance, Miller will travel with the rest of the squad on Sunday, departing from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg en route to Mumbai.
The upcoming tournament could also carry added significance for Miller. At 36, this is set to be his sixth T20 World Cup, and potentially his last appearance at the global event. Currently on a white-ball-only contract with Cricket South Africa, Miller may be eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup at home as a final chapter to his international career.
Miller was a key figure in South Africa’s run to the final of the T20 World Cup 2024, where he produced several match-defining moments before the Proteas fell narrowly short against India in the final. That experience is expected to fuel his motivation heading into the 2026 edition.
South Africa are placed in Group D, alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada and UAE. They will begin their campaign against Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad.
South Africa squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje
