Dale Steyn has raised concerns over a lack of experience in key areas of South Africa’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
While the former Proteas fast bowler believes the squad is generally solid, he expressed surprise at the exclusion of Tristan Stubbs and in-form SA20 batsman Ryan Rickelton, alongside the inclusion of relatively inexperienced players such as Jason Smith and teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka.
“It is a good squad – you have your obvious players there,” Steyn told SportsBoom.co.za. “The starting XI would be fairly standard. But there are talks of players missing out like Stubbs and Rickelton, and inclusions like Jason Smith, Tony de Zorzi to an extent, and Kwena Maphaka.”
Steyn stressed that experience is often decisive at major tournaments, particularly when players are exposed to the pressures of a World Cup environment.
“When you go to a World Cup, you want senior, battle-hardened players who understand the occasion,” he said. “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 at you.”
He suggested that some of the newer faces are unlikely to feature in the starting XI and may instead serve as cover.
“I doubt Smith or Maphaka will play. De Zorzi might bat at No 3, which is fine – at least he’s been there and done that, especially after touring India recently, although he is currently injured.”
Despite his reservations, Steyn acknowledged that the squad still contains a strong core of experienced players.
“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 greater bowling experience instead of selecting the teenage Maphaka.
“I would’ve chosen Ottniel Baartman or even Lutho Sipamla ahead of Kwena Maphaka. Lutho toured India and did well. I get the excitement around a 19-year-old, but World Cups are about knowing what to expect.”
AFRICA PICKS: Cricket betting tips and predictions
The omissions of Stubbs and Rickelton have sparked significant debate, with Rickelton enjoying another prolific SA20 campaign and Stubbs featuring regularly for South Africa across formats.
Steyn believes Stubbs’ shifting role counted against him.
“Stubbs has batted at three, five, six – up and down the order. When you look at the numbers, it doesn’t look great, but where has he actually been settled?
“David Miller, Donovan Ferreira and Dewald Brevis have cemented their places. The one guy who moved around the order is the one who lost his spot. I feel for Stubbs, to be honest.”
Steyn also felt Rickelton’s domestic form justified selection, even if only as a reserve.
“Rickleton hasn’t really got going for South Africa, but every time he plays in the SA20 he’s the leading run-scorer. I would’ve taken him anyway. He’s a fast learner and keeps improving.”
However, Steyn conceded that neither player was guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
Jason Smith, meanwhile, comes into the tournament with just two T20Is to his name. While impressed by his domestic performances, Steyn warned about the difficulty of stepping up on the global stage.
“Doing well in domestic cricket is one thing. Going to a World Cup and facing the best in the world is another. That step up can be incredibly difficult.”
Proteas T20 World Cup squad: Aiden Markram (c), 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, Jason Smith.
Photo: Carl Fourie/Sportzpics
