South Africa's probable 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2024

The 9th edition of the T20 World Cup is set to happen in June 2024. For the first time in the history of the tournament, 20 teams will be taking part in the tournament. There are a total of 4 groups with 5 teams each. The top 2 teams from each group will proceed to the Super 8 stage. The top four teams in the Super 8 stage will qualify for the semifinals. For the first time in the history of the tournament, the USA will be the joint hosts. Some high-profile matches will take place in the USA. 

The West Indies will be the joint hosts of the tournament. South Africa are one of those teams known to be 'chokers' in major tournaments. In most of the ICC tournaments, SA have not been able to reach the final. The only ICC trophy they won was in 1998 when they won the ICC Knockout Trophy (Now Champions Trophy) under the captaincy of Hansie Cronje. Since then, they have taken part in all the major tournaments, failing to qualify for the final in every instance. 

However, one man has won a trophy for South Africa, albeit a minor one - Aiden Markram. The star player is likely to be the skipper of South Africa in the T20 WC 2024. It might be a good chance for Proteas to prove everyone wrong by winning the title. They seem to have a good set of players who can help their side to win matches more often than not. South Africa has some of the best players in the world. The key for them would be to play equally well in the Knockout matches like the group stage and Super 8 stage matches. 

Check out the probable 15-member squad of South Africa for the T20 WC 2024:

1. Aiden Markram (C)

Aiden Markram will be the skipper of South Africa. The star player makes it to the side as a pure batter. If required, he can step up a bit as a bowler too. Over the last few years, he has come of age to be one of the best batters in the world. Having helped South Africa to win the Under 19 World Cup in 2014, he would be hoping to replicate the success at the highest level.     

As a batter, he is equipped to perform well in the big tournament. In 35 innings for the African side, the right-handed batter has 1118 runs at an impressive batting average of 38.55, at a sensational batting strike rate of 150.67, including 9 fifty-plus scores. He helped his SA20 side Sunrisers Eastern Cape win the title for the second time in a row earlier this year. 

2. Quinton De Kock

Quinton De Kock has retired from both Tests and ODIs. His prime focus is to try and contribute to the side in T20s. The star batter has a good record for South Africa over the years. However, in a major T20 tournament like the T20 World Cup, he has yet to shine. That would be the motivation for the Southpaw to do well for his side. He is likely to be the wicketkeeper of the side.

In 80 matches for South Africa, the experienced batter has 2277 runs at a batting average of 32.53, at a batting strike rate of 137.33, including a hundred and 14 fifties. His hundred came in the game against West Indies while chasing a target of 259 in 2023. The star batter smashed a 44-ball 100 and gave a great start to the side. SA went on to win by 6 wickets with 7 balls to spare.

3. Ryan Rickleton

Ryan Rickleton was the emerging player of the SA20 2024. His form in the tournament was sensational. In 10 innings for MICT, the star opener amassed a whopping 530 runs at a brilliant average of 58.88, at a sensational batting strike rate of 173.77 including 5 fifties. Many of these fifties were in the 90s and he could not convert them into three-digit marks.

However, given his form, SA would not mind having him in the T20 WC squad. The emerging batter has everything it takes to be a world-class player. In the league where some of the best players played, he was one of the best batters. Amongst the openers, he was the best. The aggressive batter hence makes a strong claim at a spot in the major tournament. 

4. Reeza Hendricks

Apart from Quinton De Kock, Reeza Hendricks is currently the best opener to have represented South Africa. The right-handed batter has been consistent over the years but has not gotten enough chances in the team. It will be a good opportunity for him to step up and perform for the side. The right-handed batter is either likely to open, or be the backup opener in the side.

In T20Is, the opener has 1702 runs in 55 innings at a batting average of 31.52, at a batting strike rate of 130.92, including 14 fifties. But in the last few years, his numbers have been better. Since 2022, he has had 653 runs in 15 innings at a batting average of 43.53, at a batting strike rate of 149.43, including 7 fifties. In recent times, he has been aggressive as a batter.

5. Rassie Van Der Dussen

Rassie Van Der Dussen performed well in the SA20 2024. The right-handed batter played 10 innings and scored 328 runs at a batting average of 32.80, at a batting strike rate of 147.74 including an impressive hundred and a fifty. While these are not exceptional numbers, his numbers at the highest level make him a candidate to be in the playing of SA in the T20 WC 2024. 

For SA, the right-handed batter has scored 1071 runs in 39 innings at a batting average of 34.55, at a batting strike rate of 129.19, including 7 fifties. He is someone who can anchor the innings so that batters at the other end can go bonkers. The 35-year-old brings a lot of stability to the batting order and can accelerate well after getting set in the middle. 

Also Check: India's probable 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2024

6. Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen has been one of the best T20 batters since 2022. In all the leagues he has been a part of, the middle-order batter has been scoring runs for fun at a brisk rate. His recent stints with the SA20 and the IPL teams make him a sure starter in the team. He plays spin and pace equally well, which is necessary for the batters in the USA and the WI.

In the SA20 2024, the right-handed batter was the second-highest run-scorer. In 13 innings, the middle order batter scored 447 runs at a batting average of 40.63, at an astonishing strike rate of 207.90, including 4 fifty-plus scores. In the IPL 2024, he scored 268 runs in 7 innings at an average of 53.60, at a brilliant strike rate of 198.51 including 3 fifties. These are exceptional numbers for a middle-order batter. 

7. David Miller

David Miller is one of the greatest T20 batters of all time. The experienced batter has been going through a rough patch currently. But given his class and the ability to step up in big matches, Miller will be the key batter for proteas. The Southpaw bats well against both pacers and spinners. In the last 3-4 years, he has improved massively as a player.

He is a sure starter in the XI and will play a key role for SA in the major tournament. In T20Is, Miller has a brilliant record. The experienced batter has 2268 runs in 101 innings at a good batting average of 33.85, at a great batting strike rate of 144.55, including two hundreds and 6 fifties to his name. The 34-year-old is a brilliant fielder and can take blinders in the outfield.

8. Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs has been one of the best batters in the world in 2024. The middle-order batter has adapted well in the middle and the death-over phases. The right-handed batter helped Sunrisers Eastern Cape to defend their title with his exceptional batting. He will also be handy as the backup wicketkeeper. If Klaasen keeps wickets, he can be useful for the side as a bowler.

In the IPL 2024, the DC batter has 199 runs in 7 innings at a batting average of 49.75, at a great batting strike rate of 180.90 including 2 fifties. In the SA20 2024, he scored 301 runs in 9 innings at a great batting average of 60.20, at a brilliant batting strike rate of 168.15, including 3 fifty-plus scores. These numbers are enough to prove his worth on the side. 

9. Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen was good for Sunrisers Eastern Cape as an All-rounder. With the bat, he scored 105 runs in 6 innings at a batting average of 26.25, at a batting strike rate of 177.96 including a fifty. With the ball, he claimed 20 wickets in 10 innings at an incredible bowling average of 14.30, a bowling strike rate of just 11.20, and an economy rate of 7.66 including a fifer and a 4-wicket haul.

In the IPL 2024, he has not gotten enough chances due to the team combination. But he is a sure starter in the South African team. The left-arm pacer can swing the ball early in the innings. In addition to it, he can bowl in accurate line and length. The star player can come lower down the order and hit some blows to make an impact as a finisher.

10. Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee will be destructive with his pace. The right-arm pacer can operate at a pace of over 150 kmph consistently and trouble the batters. It will be his maiden stint for SA in the T20 WC. But the youngster would be looking forward to making the most of it. He was impressive in the ODI WC 2023. The 23-year-old has not played a lot for SA in T20Is.

In 4 matches for SA, the star pacer has 6 wickets at a bowling average of 23.33, at a bowling strike rate of 13.33, with a best figure of 3/32. He is a wicket-taking bowler and can make an impact in the middle overs. If required, the right-arm pacer will be handy with the bat lower down the order. The emerging bowler is currently a part of the IPL 2024 where he is bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah.

Also Check: Australia's probable 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2024

11. Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj is a miserly bowler. He gives nothing away for the batters. On the wickets like the West Indies and the USA, slow left-arm orthodox spinners will be handy. His bowling suits the conditions well. With his economical spells, Maharaj can help bowlers at the other end to claim wickets by creating pressure from his end. If necessary, he can bat a bit lower down the order.

Maharaj is currently a part of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024. He is bowling alongside some of the best bowlers in the world like Trent Boult of Yuzvendra Chahal. Their lineup also has some terrific spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Adam Zampa with whom he can learn a lot. For SA, the 34-year-old has 24 wickets in 27 innings at a bowling average of 27.96 and an economy rate of 7.39.

12. Tabraiz Shamsi

Tabraiz Shamsi is one of the best spinners in T20 cricket. The chinaman spinner is one of a kind. Barring Kuldeep Yadav, no other bowler is established in their side with the skills Shamsi possesses. He is unique with his ability to turn the ball both ways despite being a left-arm. Shamsi is a wicket-taking bowler and can turn the game in a matter of few overs.

In 65 games for SA, the chinaman spinner has 78 wickets at a bowling average of 22.21, a bowling strike rate of 18.05, at an economy rate of just 7.38, including three 4-wicket hauls. After Imran Tahir, Shamsi has been the best T20 spinner from SA. Given his calibre and performances, the 34-year-old must find a spot in the playing XI in the T20 WC 2024.

13. Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is one of the best bowlers in the world. However, his form with the ball in the last few years is a matter of genuine concern. While he is a world-class bowler, Rabada often goes for runs. He is a wicket-taking bowler but is not that economical. Being the leader of the attack, Rabada must be at his best, as other pacers are in better form than him.

For SA, he has claimed 58 wickets in 56 innings at a bowling average of 29.88, a bowling strike rate of 20.81, at an economy rate of 8.61, including a best-match figure of 3/20. But the star pacer can be expected to come good in the big tournament. While it is not sure if he will start in the XI, SA will have him in the squad. It is a good problem to have plenty of players.

14. Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje is the best when it comes to T20 World Cups. In the two major tournaments he has been a part of, the right-arm pacer has been brilliant. With his sheer pace, Nortje has troubled the batters from different teams. The express pacer has played 31 matches for SA and has 38 wickets at a great bowling average of 19.53, a phenomenal bowling strike rate of 16.39, at an economy rate of just 7.15, including two 4-wicket hauls.

In the T20 WC 2021, the 30-year-old claimed 9 wickets in 5 innings at a sensational bowling average of 11.56, a bowling strike rate of just 12.89, at a miserly economy of just 5.38. In the T20 WC 2022, he claimed 11 wickets in 5 innings at a bowling average of just 8.55, at a bowling strike rate of just 9.55, at an astonishing economy rate of 5.37, including two 4-wicket hauls. The only problem with Nortje is his current form.

15. Andile Phehlukwayo

Andile Phehlukwayo is a good All-rounder. The 28-year-old has the experience of playing a lot of matches for SA. He can be the backup to Marco Jansen as a bowling all-rounder. He has good numbers as a bowler while playing for SA. While the left-handed batter has not accomplished much as a batter, he can be handy with the bat lower down the order.

With the ball, he has 45 wickets in 40 innings at a bowling average of 22.96, at a bowling SR of just 15.69, at an economy rate of 8.78, including a 4-wicket haul. These are good numbers for a fifth bowler. He is a wicket-taking option. The ability of Andile to contribute with the bat and with the ball should bag him a spot in the squad SA for the T20 WC 2024. 

South Africa's probable 15-member squad for the T20 WC 2024:

Quinton De Kock
Ryan Rickleton
Reeza Hendricks
Rassie Van Der Dussen
Aiden Markram (C)
Heinrich Klaasen
David Miller
Tristan Stubbs
Marco Jansen
Gerald Coetzee
Keshav Maharaj
Tarbaiz Shamsi
Kagiso Rabada
Anrich Nortje
Andile Phehlukwayo