Why Ottneil Baartman is Not Playing Today in NZ vs SA 3rd T20I?

The New Zealand Cricket Team is playing South Africa in the third game of the five-match T20I series. The match between the two teams is taking place at the smallest cricket stadium in the world, the Eden Park, Auckland on Friday, March 20.

The NZ vs SA T20I series is currently poised at 1-1 with both teams coming up two stellar performances in the first two games. While South Africa dominated the first game, New Zealand made a comeback in second to level the series.

In the NZ vs SA 3rd T20I, it was New Zealand, who won the toss and opted to field. South Africa made one change as they included Lutho Sipamla in place of Ottneil Baartman for this important game.

Why Ottneil Baartman is Not Playing Today?

Right-arm fast bowler Ottneil Baartman has missed out on this game which has come as a surprise. Although the reason behind his absence is yet to be known, it is widely speculated that he will be heading to India soon for the Indian Premier League 2026.

A lot of star pacers have been ruled out of the IPL 2026 and Ottneil Baartman will be on the radar of many franchises. It is speculated that he will be joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who were recently jolted by the blow of Australia pacer Nathan Ellis.

Baartman recently opted out of the PSL 2026, which in itself was a hint that he would be there in the IPL. The South African pacer is yet to make his debut in the biggest cricket league in the world and will act as a perfect replacement for Nathan Ellis if speculations are to be believed.

Ottneil Baartman in NZ vs SA T20I Series

Ottneil Baartman had a great outing in the NZ vs SA 1st T20I as he returned figures of 2/22, which helped South Africa bundle out New Zealand for just 91. In the second match, he picked up one wicket and looked in decent touch as well.

His absence will leave a massive void in the South Africa XI. However, they would be hoping that Ottneil Baartman replacement, Lutho Sipamla, to step up in his absence.

Baartman is amongst the experienced South African bowlers in this format. If picked as a replacement in the Indian Premier League, he could be a vital asset for any team, especially with his ability to bowl in all the phases of the game.

Baartman has played 113 T20s and has taken 160 wickets at an economy rate of 7.49 and a strike rate of 14.3. He also has taken two five-wicket hauls with the best of 5/14.