Dale Steyn has questioned Ottniel Baartman’s omission from the Proteas’ T20 World Cup squad.

Baartman is the leading wicket-taker in this season’s SA20 with 11 in four matches at an average of 12.27 and an economy rate of 9.20.

Steyn coached Baartman at the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, with the paceman picked up by the Paarl Royals for this season’s tournament.

The 32-year-old is regarded as one of the best death bowlers in white-ball cricket yet was overlooked by the Proteas for the global showpiece in India and Sri Lanka, which starts next month.

“We really need to start looking at Baartman as one of SA’s best white ball bowlers,” said Steyn on X.

“He’s the highest wicket taker in SA20, won the league twice and made a final, let me remind you, that’s a comp that has 4 INTERNATIONAL players (often batters) plus all the PROTEAS! He’s number 1.

“Thats TOP quality, but he’ll be sitting home for this years 20/20 WC.”

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Baartman has earned 17 T20I caps for the Proteas, the last of which came against India in Ahmedabad in December.

He has taken 22 wickets at an average of 21.59 and an economy rate of 8.21.

Photo: @ProteasMenCSA/X