🇿🇦 South Africa Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List & Key Players
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, will see South Africa enter the tournament amid late injury setbacks but with a squad still capable of mounting a serious title challenge.
Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas have been forced into last-minute changes after Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira were ruled out due to injury, with Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs named as their replacements.
Despite concerns over David Miller’s fitness, South Africa remain one of the most balanced sides in the competition, particularly well-equipped for subcontinental conditions.
South Africa Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiden Markram (C) | Top-order Batter / Off-spin |
| 2 | Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 3 | Ryan Rickelton | Top-order Batter |
| 4 | Dewald Brevis | Middle-order Batter |
| 5 | David Miller | Middle-order Batter / Finisher |
| 6 | Tristan Stubbs | Middle-order Batter |
| 7 | Jason Smith | Batting All-rounder |
| 8 | Marco Jansen | Bowling All-rounder (Left-arm Fast) |
| 9 | Keshav Maharaj | Spinner (Slow Left-arm Orthodox) |
| 10 | Kagiso Rabada | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Kwena Maphaka | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| 12 | Lungi Ngidi | Fast Bowler |
| 13 | Corbin Bosch | Fast-bowling All-rounder |
| 14 | George Linde | Spin-bowling All-rounder |
| 15 | Anrich Nortje | Fast Bowler |
Leadership & Team Management
- Captain: Aiden Markram
- Vice-Captain: To be confirmed
- Head Coach: Rob Walter
Under Markram’s calm and tactical leadership, South Africa have evolved into a fearless T20 side. The leadership group blends tactical clarity with flexibility, allowing the Proteas to adapt quickly to different match situations.
South Africa’s Group – T20 WC 2026
| Team | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| New Zealand 🇳🇿 | ICC Men’s T20I Rankings |
| South Africa 🇿🇦 | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Afghanistan 🇦🇫 | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Canada 🇨🇦 | Americas Qualifier |
| United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 | Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier |
South Africa Group Stage Matches – T20 WC
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (LOCAL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Feb 9 2026 | South Africa vs Canada | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| Wed, Feb 11 2026 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 11:00 AM |
| Sat, Feb 14 2026 | South Africa vs New Zealand | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| Wed, Feb 18 2026 | South Africa vs United Arab Emirates | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 11:00 AM |
Predicted Playing XI – South Africa (T20 WC 2026)
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quinton de Kock (†) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 2 | Ryan Rickelton | Top-order Batter |
| 3 | Aiden Markram (C) | Batter / Off-spin |
| 4 | Dewald Brevis | Middle-order Batter |
| 5 | David Miller* | Finisher |
| 6 | Tristan Stubbs | Power-hitter |
| 7 | Marco Jansen | All-rounder |
| 8 | George Linde | Spin All-rounder |
| 9 | Keshav Maharaj | Spinner |
| 10 | Kagiso Rabada | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Anrich Nortje | Fast Bowler |
Bench Strength: Jason Smith, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
Explosive Batting Core: Markram, de Kock, Brevis, and Miller provide stability and firepower across phases.
Elite Pace Attack: Rabada, Nortje, Ngidi, and Maphaka offer pace, bounce, and death-over expertise.
Spin Balance: Maharaj and Linde give control in middle overs, crucial on subcontinental pitches.
All-round Flexibility: Jansen, Linde, Bosch, and Ferreira add depth in both batting and bowling.
Fielding Standards: South Africa remain one of the best fielding units in world cricket.
South Africa’s Road to Glory
After years of heartbreak and near-misses, South Africa head into the 2026 T20 World Cup with belief and balance. Having reached the final in the previous edition, the Proteas now look determined to go one step further.
With a settled core, match-winning bowlers, and explosive batting depth, South Africa have all the tools required to mount a serious title challenge in India and Sri Lanka.
Final Word
The South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 squad reflects clarity in selection and confidence in execution. Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas will aim to conquer subcontinental conditions and finally lift their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy.