The announcement of South Africa’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup has sparked debate, with former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn expressing concern about the lack of experience in key areas. While Steyn believes the squad is generally solid, he questioned several selections and omissions, particularly the exclusion of Tristan Stubbs and in-form SA20 batter Ryan Rickelton, alongside the inclusion of relatively inexperienced players such as Jason Smith and teenage pacer Kwena Maphaka. “It is a good squad; you have your obvious players there,” Steyn toldSportsBoom.co.za.
“The starting XI would be fairly standard. But there are talks of players missing out, such as Stubbs and Rickelton, and inclusions, such as Jason Smith, Tony de Zorzi to an extent, and Kwena Maphaka.” Steyn emphasised the importance of experience at major tournaments, highlighting the significant jump from domestic cricket to World Cup pressure. “When you go to a World Cup, you want senior, battle-hardened players who are familiar with the occasion.
“There’s a big difference between playing domestic cricket in front of a few hundred people and facing a Jasprit Bumrah with 100,000 fans screaming against you.” He suggested some of the newer faces are unlikely to feature in the playing XI and may only serve as backups. “I doubt Smith or Maphaka will play. De Zorzi might bat at three, which is fine; at least he’s been there and done that, especially after touring India recently, though he is currently injured.” Despite his concerns, Steyn acknowledged the squad’s strengths, pointing to experienced players who have taken South Africa deep into tournaments before.
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“Overall, the squad looks sound. Guys who’ve taken us to a final are there. Quinny [Quinton de Kock] is there, Keshav Maharaj is our main spinner, and hopefully he finds form during the SA20.” Steyn revealed he would have opted for more experienced bowlers instead of teenage sensation Maphaka.
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