South Africa Announce Squad for ICC T20 World Cup; Tristan Stubbs Dropped

The runner-up from the previous season’s tournament, South Africa, has revealed its squad for the ICC T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Firebrand batsman Tristan Stubbs has failed to find a place in the side. Opening batsman Ryan Rickelton, too, did not find a place in the side. Aiden Markram will lead the squad. Alongside Jason Smith and Quena Mphaka, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brewis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, and George Linde will represent the side for the first time in the T20 World Cup tournament. Pace bowler Kagiso Rabada will now feature in the T20 side following an injury layoff.

The explosive middle-order batsman in the squad, named Tristan Stubbs, who was part of the team in the previous World Cup campaign, has not been included in the team. Stubbs was bought by the Delhi Capitals in the IPL for ₹10 crore (100 million rupees), but he has not been able to establish himself in the national team. In his place, less experienced batsman Jason Smith, who has played only five international matches for South Africa, has been included. In addition to Stubbs, opener Ryan Rickelton also did not find a place in the squad. The team already has a strong opening spot for captain Markram and Quinton de Kock, which has prevented Rickelton from making the squad.

South Africa's World Cup squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brewis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Quena Mphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith

The ICC T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It begins on February 7th. South Africa has been placed in Group D for the tournament, where it will face New Zealand, Afghanistan, the UAE, and Canada. The African team will play its first match against Canada on February 9th in Ahmedabad.