Van der Dussen Appointed Captain of New-Look South Africa T20I Squad
Rassie van der Dussen has been named captain of a refreshed South Africa T20I squad set to compete in a tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Harare from July 14 to 26. The series, the squad’s first assignment under head coach Shukri Conrad across the white-ball format, marks the start of preparations ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
With regular skipper Aiden Markram resting due to workload management, Van der Dussen takes the reins—having previously captained South Africa on their tour of the West Indies before last year’s World Cup.
Squad Mix: Experience Meets Excitement
The 14-man squad blends seasoned players with emerging talent:
Capped stars include:
- Reeza Hendricks and Lungi Ngidi, bringing consistency and fast-bowling firepower
- Dewald Brevis returns after a hiatus from international cricket, bringing youthful energy
Four uncapped players have been rewarded following standout performances:
- Lhuan‑dre Pretorius, SA20’s top scorer with a strike rate above 160
- Wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann, noted for an impressive domestic average
- Spinner–batsman Senuran Muthusamy, bringing his off-break skills
- All-rounder Corbin Bosch, returning after ODI and Test experience
Injured pacers Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger also rejoin the squad after recovering overseas, while Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi have been sidelined by fitness issues and contract status respectively.
Squad Strategy & Format Focus
Coach Shukri Conrad explained, “With senior players rested… it creates opportunities for others to step in and show what they can offer.” The series will test squad depth and adaptability, especially across spin-friendly Zimbabwean pitches. The inclusion of three spinners—Muthusamy, George Linde, and Nqaba Peter—signals deliberate tactical preparation.
Van der Dussen’s leadership and middle-order reliability will be crucial, alongside new talents aiming to lock down spots. The squad will convene for a preparatory camp in Pretoria on July 9–10 before heading to Harare.
Series Outlook
South Africa opens the tri-series versus Zimbabwe on July 14, followed by matches against New Zealand on July 16 and 22. The double round-robin format boosts the series stakes, culminating in a final on July 26. This campaign will be pivotal in shaping South Africa’s T20 strategy leading into the global tournament.
Overall, this blend of experience and youthful exuberance reflects a strategic build for South Africa’s white-ball future, with depth testing and leadership evolution at its core.
