Because the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, South Africa have formally unveiled their 15-member squad, aiming to lastly safe their first international title. Led by Aiden Markram, the choice contains a heavy emphasis on uncooked tempo, however the inclusion of stars like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje has been overshadowed by a significant choice controversy.
South African legend Dale Steyn has publicly voiced his frustration over the exclusion of a sure in-form pacer, resulting in a heated debate throughout social media. Whereas the Proteas have opted for high-velocity choices, the absence of one of the constant performers within the home circuit has left followers and consultants questioning the crew’s stability. This resolution is especially stunning given the bowler’s record-breaking run within the ongoing SA20 season.
Dale Steyn fumes over pacer’s omission from South Africa’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
On January 6, 2026, Steyn took to X (previously Twitter) to specific his disbelief on the snub of Ottneil Baartman, a participant he mentored as a bowling coach for 3 seasons at Sunrisers Jap Cape. Steyn argued that Baartman has advanced into “one among SA’s greatest white-ball bowlers” and that his omission is unattainable to justify given his present type. “He’s the very best wicket-taker in SA20, received the league twice and made a last… That’s a comp that has 4 worldwide gamers plus all of the Proteas! He’s #1,” Steyn tweeted. The legendary pacer emphasised that whereas Baartman is delivering “high-quality” performances in opposition to the world’s greatest batters, he’ll unfairly be “sitting house” in the course of the marquee event in India and Sri Lanka.
We actually want to begin taking a look at Baartman as one among SA’s greatest white ball bowlers.
He’s the very best wicket taker in SA20, received the league twice and made a last, let me remind you, that’s a comp that has 4 INTERNATIONAL gamers (usually batters) plus all of the PROTEAS! He’s quantity…
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 5, 2026
Steyn’s endorsement centered on Baartman’s distinctive skill to execute pinpoint yorkers and variations that set him other than the ‘uncooked pace’ bowlers favored by the selectors. He identified that Baartman’s tactical execution makes him nearly unplayable within the dying overs, a section the place the Proteas have traditionally struggled. Steyn’s put up sparked a large response from the cricketing neighborhood, with many agreeing that the choice panel, led by Patrick Moroney, might have prioritized fame over current statistical dominance. By labeling Baartman the nation’s greatest, Steyn has put immense strain on the chosen tempo assault to justify their inclusion when the event kicks off subsequent month.
Additionally READ: 8 South African gamers who featured in T20 World Cup 2024 however received’t play in 2026 version
Unmatched home dominance for the excluded pacer
The numbers actually help Steyn’s outrage, as Baartman has formally develop into the main wicket-taker in SA20 historical past in the course of the 2025-26 season. Now taking part in for the Paarl Royals, Baartman has already claimed 11 wickets in simply 4 matches at a outstanding common of 12.27, not too long ago surpassing Marco Jansen to take the highest spot with 52 profession wickets within the competitors. His worldwide document is equally spectacular; since his T20I debut in Could 2024, the 32-year-old has taken 22 wickets in 17 matches at a median of 21.59. Regardless of being a key a part of the squad that reached the World Cup last 2024, he has featured in solely 11 of South Africa’s final 29 matches, a development that has now culminated in a complete exclusion from the 2026 international showpiece.
Additionally READ: England unveils provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Jamie Smith
