T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa announces 15-member squad; no place for Temba Bavuma

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled its men’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, with Aiden Markram appointed as the skipper for the global event. The squad composition features several significant exclusions and inclusions, showcasing a blend of experience and fresh talent.

Absentees and Notable Exclusions

Former Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, who led South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup, has been omitted from the squad. Alongside Bavuma, Rilee Rossouw and Wayne Parnell, absent from South Africa’s last T20 World Cup squad, are also missing this time around.

New Faces and Debutants

Opening batter Ryan Rickelton and fast bowler Ottniel Baartman have earned maiden call-ups to the T20 International squad following impressive performances. Rickelton emerged as the top run-scorer in the SA20 tournament and the second-highest in the recent CSA T20 Challenge, while Baartman stood out as the second-highest wicket-taker in the SA20.

Return of Anrich Nortje

Pace sensation Anrich Nortje, currently representing Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, makes a notable comeback to the South African squad after a nine-month absence, adding depth to the fast-bowling department.

Squad Composition and Key Players

The squad features a balanced mix of experience and promise, with Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada providing invaluable experience. Left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin, alongside wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, add variety and depth to the bowling attack.

South Africa’s T20 World Cup Squad:

• Aiden Markram (Captain)
• Ottniel Baartman
• Gerald Coetzee
• Quinton de Kock
• Bjorn Fortuin
• Reeza Hendricks
• Marco Jansen
• Heinrich Klaasen
• Keshav Maharaj
• David Miller
• Anrich Nortje
• Kagiso Rabada
• Ryan Rickelton
• Tabraiz Shamsi
• Tristan Stubbs

Travelling Reserves:

• Nandre Burger
• Lungi Ngidi

Series Against West Indies

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, South Africa will face West Indies in a series. Notably, Rassie van der Dussen and Matthew Breetzke, despite being top performers in domestic tournaments, have not made it to the World Cup squad but will feature in the series against the Caribbeans with a second-string Proteas side.

South Africa’s T20I Squad for Series Against West Indies:

• Matthew Breetzke
• Bjorn Fortuin
• Reeza Hendricks
• Patrick Kruger
• Wiaan Mulder
• Lungi Ngidi
• Nqaba Peter
• Ryan Rickelton
• Andile Phehlukwayo
• Tabraiz Shamsi
• Rassie van der Dussen

The announcement of South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad sets the stage for an exciting tournament, with a rejuvenated Proteas side eager to make their mark on the global stage under the leadership of Aiden Markram. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the tournament approaches!