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Head selector Patrick Moroney disclosed that the decision was made to include seasoned players Quinton de Kock and David Miller over emerging talents Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs in the Proteas team for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India, which is set to take place next month.

Many could have anticipated this, including Rickelton himself.

When De Kock declared his comeback to international cricket, it was only a matter of time before Rickelton found himself lower in the hierarchy.

De Kock’s return and demonstrating good performance indicated that Rickelton’s time in the national team was limited.

On Friday, Proteas Convenor Selector Moroney unveiled the Proteas team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, confirming what many had anticipated: De Kock had moved ahead of Rickelton.

“We have reviewed the top order and considered how we want to start our innings, and it was a tough choice between Quinny de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. In the end, we have decided to go with Quinny de Kock in the opening position alongside Aidan Markram,” Moroney said to reporters on Friday.

Then regarding the Stubbs selection, in theory, our main focus has been to ensure we have an attacking middle order, with left-handed David Miller ideally fitting into the middle. Then Brevis and Ferreira will support him on either side, which is our overall strategy. That’s why we’ve chosen this approach, and Stubbs hasn’t been included in this World Cup.

Rickelton’s removal happens even though he scored a century in the first match of the SA20 at Newlands last week.

Moroney mentioned that the SA20 had minimal impact on the selection process.

“I believe it’s still very early in the T20 competition, and the reality is that it remains largely domestic, with many local players competing against one another. The players I’ve mentioned, along with others like Rickleton, are certainly expected to excel at this level,” Moroney stated.

I believe the international setup is somewhat higher, or perhaps considerably higher. It’s still early in the SA20, and naturally, we hope our players will take this chance to get into better shape and form, giving us an edge before facing the Windies and heading to India.

Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje was selected ahead of Nandre Burger, while Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith, and Kwena Maphaka were also included in the team.

Nandre was among the choices, and we decided to go with Anrich Nortje rather than a player such as Nandre,” said Moroney.

He is recovering, and all signs suggest he will be completely fit, but from a selection perspective, we have chosen Anrich Nortje.

South Africa’s Male Team – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Aiden Markram (team leader), 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 and Jason Smith.