Tony De Zorzi & Donovan Ferreira RULED OUT of T20 World Cup 2026; South Africa name two match-winners as replacement
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South Africa were the runners ups of the T20 World Cup 2024.
South Africa are gearing up for their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, set to commence on February 9 against Canada in Ahmedabad. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7, with the Proteas placed in Group D alongside teams like New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada.
Fresh off a strong build-up, including domestic leagues like the SA20 2025-26, South Africa aim to build on their recent momentum and chase their first T20 World Cup title. The Proteas enter this edition with high expectations, having reached the final of the previous T20 World Cup in 2024.
In that memorable run in the West Indies and USA, South Africa defeated strong sides to make their maiden final appearance, only to fall short by seven runs against India in a thrilling contest at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
That heartbreaking defeat after posting 169/8 chasing India’s 176/7, marked a significant milestone, ending years of semi-final exits and showcasing their potential as serious contenders in the shortest format.
However, the road to the 2026 tournament has been hampered by injuries in the lead-up. South Africa have announced changes to their 15-man squad to address these setbacks.
Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs replace Tony De Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira in South Africa squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup after struggling with a lingering injury picked up during South Africa’s ODI series in India. The left-handed batter was sidelined for the entire T20I leg of the tour and subsequently missed the SA20 2025-16, failing to recover in time to prove his fitness, forcing the selectors to move on without him.
Donovan Ferreira’s absence is an even bigger blow for the Proteas, with the explosive middle-order batter injuring his left shoulder while fielding for Joburg Super Kings against Pretoria Capitals, thereby landing awkwardly and later retired hurt after facing one delivery.
Ryan Rickelton, who led the charts for highest runs in SA20 2026, where he amassed 337 runs at an average of 42.12 and a strike rate of 156.01, has now been rewarded with a place in the T20 setup.
Tristan Stubbs returns to South Africa’s T20 World Cup plans following Donovan Ferreira’s shoulder injury, with the management banking on Stubbs’ proven big-match temperament.
Despite mixed form in recent weeks, Stubbs remains highly regarded for his explosive middle-order hitting and versatility, having played a key role in South Africa’s run to the final of the previous T20 World Cup.
Who has returned to South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad?
Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have been recalled to the 15-man squad.
Why is Donovan Ferreira Ferreira’s absence significant in T20 World Cup 2026 for SA?
He is one of South Africa’s most destructive middle-order batters and finishers.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.