Why Tristan Stubbs is Not in South Africa Squad for T20 World Cup 2026?

The excitement around the T20 World Cup 2026 is rising as the teams are announcing their squads for the marquee event. While India has already revealed their squad a few weeks back, England, Afghanistan and others are announcing it. As per ICC guidelines, all the teams will have to give their 15-member squad by the end of the first week of January.

Meanwhile, one of the best cricket teams in the world, South Africa, has announced their squad for the upcoming ICC event. While most of the players have retained their places, Tristan Stubbs is not included in the squad, which has sparked a lot of criticism from the fans.

Why Tristan Stubbs is Not in SA Squad for T20 World Cup 2026?

As Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the squad, the absence of Tristan Stubbs was quite evident. He was an all-format player and was expected to be in the team for the marquee event. The reason behind Tristan Stubbs T20 World Cup 2026 snub is his recent performance in the format.

The right-handed batter hasn't collected a lot of runs in the past series, and that's why he was omitted from the squad. Tristan Stubbs replacement is Jason Smith, who is included in the squad. He is in terrific form and is expected to continue the momentum in the T20 World Cup 2026.

South Africa Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

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

Aiden Markram to Lead South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa's squad looks quite strong with Aiden Markram at the helm. He is in incredible form, smashing the bowlers out of the park. Moreover, he is a great leader as well and has a good chance to help South Africa get the trophy this time.

Apart from him, there are talented players in the squad, including David Miller, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, and others who have performed well in the previous series. The middle order looks sorted even without the presence of Tristan Stubbs, which speaks volumes about the kind of team the Proteas have built for the marquee event.

The selectors have left out Ryan Rickelton from the squad, which was a shocker as well. Players like Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, and Kwena Maphaka will play their first T20 World Cup and will be quite excited for it. Brevis, in particular, is a talented batter and has performed in almost all the games he has played so far.

One of the best wicket-keepers in the world, Quinton de Kock, is included in the squad, which means that the Proteas will have an experienced player who was also a part of the T20 World Cup playing 11 in 2024. He will bring in past experience to the table that might be helpful in the upcoming tournament.