Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa grapples with a double injury blow: Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira are out of the tournament and the preceding West Indies T20 series. Cricket South Africa acted fast, injecting wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton and all-rounder Tristan Stubbs into the squad.
The revamped 15-member team prepares for the February 7-March 8 spectacle co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Group D pits them against Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and UAE, with inaugural clash versus Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Flight to India departs February 1.
Persistent right hamstring trouble sidelines de Zorzi since the India ODIs. Ferreira’s collarbone snapped on January 17 in SA20’s Joburg Super Kings vs Pretoria Capitals encounter. David Miller’s adductor issue from Paarl Royals play excludes him from West Indies ties—World Cup involvement awaits fitness verdict, Rubin Hermann covering meantime.
Encouragingly, Lungi Ngidi eyes leg recovery for the big event. Dewald Brevis’ finger-injury scan follows his 75-run gem. Aiden Markram’s men convene in Paarl January 23, SA20 finalists joining January 26, series underway January 27.
Undeterred, these shifts showcase Proteas’ squad versatility, priming them for a competitive T20 World Cup run marked by determination.