Why Ryan Rickelton is Not in South Africa Squad for T20 World Cup 2026?

South Africa have announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The squad features a total of 15 players with Aiden Markram leading the side. However, there were some surprising exclusions from the squad as Proteas' star opener Ryan Rickelton and middle-order batter Tristan Stubbs are not named in the squad. Many fans are wondering what could be the reason behind leaving Rickelton out of the squad.

Why Ryan Rickelton is Not in SA Squad for T20 World Cup 2026?

Ryan Rickelton is a left-handed batter and bats at the opening spot. However, the Proteas already have a better and more experienced batter, Quinton de Kock, who is also one of the best wicketkeepers in the world. Along with him, the skipper, Aiden Markram, will be seen opening. De Kock is the first-choice wicketkeeper and can be called Ryan Rickelton replacement.

However, players like Tony de Zorzi and Jason Smith have been included in the squad who don't have much experience of playing in the T20I format, which makes Ryan Rickelton T20 World Cup 2026 exclusion even more shocking.

Cricket South Africa's selection convener, Patrick Moroney, said, “We have had to make some big calls, but we feel this group is the strongest and has every chance of succeeding in India and Sri Lanka.”

South Africa Aim To Avenge T20 World Cup 2024 Final Loss

South Africa are the 2024 T20 World Cup runners-up, as they were defeated by India in the final by just seven runs at Bridgetown. No one could forget that miraculous boundary catch at long off by Suryakumar Yadav, dismissing the dangerous-looking David Miller, which played a major role in India's win.

This time, Suryakumar will be seen leading the side, and the Men in Blue will be without their veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, who announced their retirements from T20I cricket.

The Proteas are among the best T20 teams in the world and are placed in Group D alongside Canada, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates. They will start their campaign by playing their first match against Canada on February 9. They will be one of the favorites to win the title despite missing out on the title last time around.

South Africa Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Tony de Zorzi, David Miller, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith.