Key takeaways from South Africa's T20WC 2026 squad
The last edition's finalists have gone with in-form players focussing on experience for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
South Africa will enter the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka with a dynamic 15-member unit laced with experience and form.
While Aiden Markram continues to be at the helm, Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi and David Miller form the core of the Proteas' batting order. The returning Anrich Nortje, combined with Kagiso Rabada lead the pace attack supported by the in-form Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi and Kwena Maphaka.
Keshav Maharaj leads the spin department for South Africa with all-rounder George Linde for support.
Here are a few takeaways from their squad:
Nortje's return boosts the pace ranks
The inclusion of Anrich Nortje boosts the already potent pace attack of South Africa that boasts of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi.
Although the 32-year-old has played just the two T20Is since the last T20 World Cup - both against India in the recent tour where he went wicketless - Nortje has been impressive in the domestic 20-over tournament claiming six wickets in three games with an economy rate of 6.9, including a four-wicket haul.
Not to forget, Nortje was the Proteas' leading wicket-taker in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, where he snapped 15 wickets in nine matches with an economy rate of 5.74.
His experience will come in more than handy for South Africa, who are looking to lift their first-ever global T20 World Cup title after missing out closely last time.
Best of Anrich Nortje | T20WC 2024
Anrich Nortje has led the way with the ball for South Africa this ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Faith in Maharaj
Earlier in the year, South Africa seemed to be banking on all-round spinners to do the job in India and Sri Lanka.
This meant that Keshav Maharaj had to miss out on T20I engagements. However impressive performances in the 50-over format, which also saw him peak to the top spot in rankings, helped him win a spot in the T20I squad for the India tour.
Despite a lone T20I appearance on that tour, the management reckon that Maharaj's experience could prove to be invaluable in India. He will be assisted by George Linde, with Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira also capable of turning their arm over.
Double blow from Keshav Maharaj | SA v IND | T20WC 2024 Final
Banking on experienced core
While South Africa have rewarded in-form players like Brevis, who was spectacular during the Australia tour, and Ferreira, who impressed with his finishing skills in the recently concluded India tour, they continue to show their faith on the likes of the experienced core of Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Aiden Markram.
Their experience will be key in guiding the up-and-coming batters for the challenges ahead.
Quinton de Kock Match Hero for South Africa v WI ICC WT20 2016
Watch how Quinton de Kock became a Match Hero for South Africa against West Indies in Match 27 of the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016.
Strong all-round base
The Proteas all-round depth makes them a dangerous side which can adapt to conditions as per need.
Bosch, Linde and Jansen can swing it hard down the order, while Markram and Ferreira can don the spinners' hat for timely breakthroughs.
The Proteas play three of their league games in Ahmedabad, which is believed to be a high-scoring ground and the all-round strength of the unit makes them a formidable side to beat in the global event.
Aiden Markram: "A special talent" | T20 World Cup
South Africa are grouped alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the UAE in Group D at the T20 World Cup and will begin their campaign against Canada in Ahmedabad on February 9.
South Africa's fixtures at T20WC 2026:
February 9, 2026: v Canada, Ahmedabad (7:00 PM IST)
February 11, 2026: v Afghanistan, Ahmedabad (11:00 AM IST)
February 14, 2026: v New Zealand, Ahmedabad (7:00 PM IST)
February 28, 2026: v Oman, Delhi (11:00 AM IST)