SA vs WI: Why did Quinton de Kock & Tristan Stubbs miss first T20I in Paarl?
Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs weren’t named in South Africa XI for first SA vs WI T20I at Boland Park in Paarl.
The first T20I of the three match series between South Africa and West Indies got underway on Tuesday, January 27, as both sides began their final stretch of preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
South Africa enjoyed a strong run in the last ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they showcased consistency and tactical clarity through the group stages before bowing out in the finals. Boasting a balanced squad combining experienced campaigners and explosive young talent, the Proteas impressed with their adaptability across conditions.
While the title remained elusive, their performances under pressure reinforced the belief that South Africa are no longer just contenders on paper but a side capable of going deep in global tournaments.
Heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, expectations are once again high for South Africa. With players coming off strong SA20 2025-26 season and a settled core featuring match winners across departments, the focus is firmly on peaking at the right time.
Why did Quinton de Kock & Tristan Stubbs miss 1st SA vs WI T20I?
Led by Aiden Markram, South Africa opted to manage player workloads for the opening clash against West Indies, following the conclusion of SA20 2025–26, which directly influenced their team selection for the series opener.
South Africa made a deliberate call to rest Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, and Marco Jansen for Tuesday’s game. All three players featured in the SA20 final at Newlands on Sunday, which prompted the team management to give them a break to avoid fatigue and reduce injury risk ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Stubbs played a vital role in the season finale, captaining Sunrisers Eastern Cape to their fourth straight final and a historic third SA20 title. Their absence is purely precautionary and not linked to any major fitness concerns, with South Africa keen to keep their core players fresh for the business end of the international season.
Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs were not initially part of South Africa’s T20I squad, but were added following injuries to Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira. While Stubbs is set to miss the opening clash, Ryan Rickelton featured in XI.
Why did Quinton de Kock and Tristian Stubbs miss the SA vs WI 1st T20I?
Both were rested as part of workload management after a busy SA20 season, with team management avoiding any fitness risks ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Where is the 1st T20I between SA and WI being played?
The first T20I between South Africa and West Indies, is being played at Boland Park in Paarl, South Africa.
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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.