SA T20 World Cup squad: Aiden Markram to lead, Anrich Nortje returns; Baartman, Rickelton called up

South Africa have announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to commence on June 1 in the West Indies and the USA, with Aiden Markram named as the team captain. This selection comes as the Proteas prepare to challenge for the title, fielding a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers.

The squad features the return of Anrich Nortje and Quinton de Kock, notable inclusions especially after both players were recently dropped from South Africa's annual central contract list. Nortje, who sustained an injury last year, has made a successful return to cricket, currently participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

In a significant move, Temba Bavuma, who captained the team during the recent ODI World Cup, has not been included in the T20 squad. The team is bolstered by the inclusion of seasoned power hitters such as David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who have both been displaying formidable form in the past couple of years. Additionally, Cricket South Africa has made some surprising choices by selecting Ottniel Baartman and Ryan Rickelton, both of whom are set to make their international T20 debuts.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton, known for his aggressive batting, emerged as the top run-scorer in the recently concluded SA20 league. Although previously named in the T20 squad for the series against Pakistan in 2021, Rickelton did not feature in the playing XI during that series.

Ottniel Baartman, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, has also earned his place after an impressive performance in the SA20, where he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker while playing for champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

The Proteas' pace attack will be spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Nortje, with Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee providing additional support. The spin department will rely on Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi, who will serve as the frontline spinners.

Markram brings considerable leadership experience to the team, having previously led South Africa to victory in the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup. His captaincy experience was further enhanced by leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to two consecutive titles.

With such a strong and well-rounded squad, South Africa is considered a serious contender for the T20 World Cup. Under Markram’s leadership, the team is not only aiming to excel in the tournament but also to capture their maiden ICC trophy, a feat that has eluded them in past competitions.

South Africa squad for T20 World Cup: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottniel Baartman

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