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Like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, South Africa have officially revealed its 15-member teamaiming to finally win their first world title. Led by Aiden Markramthe selection places a heavy emphasis on raw rhythm, but the inclusion of stars like Kagiso Rabada And Anrich Nortje was overshadowed by a major selection controversy.
South African legend Dale Steyn has publicly expressed his frustration at the exclusion of a certain in-form point guard, leading to a heated debate on social media. While the Proteas have opted for high-speed options, the absence of one of the most consistent players in the domestic circuit has left fans and pundits questioning the team’s balance. The move is particularly shocking given the bowler’s record in the current SA20 season.
Dale Steyn fumes over pacer’s omission from South Africa’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad
On January 6, 2026, Steyn took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief at the snub of Ottneil Baartmana player he mentored as a bowling coach for three seasons at Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Steyn argued that Baartman has become “one of SA’s best white-ball bowlers” and that his omission is impossible to justify given his current form. “He is the leading wicket-taker in SA20, has won the league twice and reached a final… It’s a competition that has 4 international players plus all the Proteas! He is number 1,” Steyn tweeted. The legendary pacer pointed out that even though Baartman delivers “top quality” performances against the world’s best batters, he will unfairly be “sitting at home” during the showpiece tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
We really need to start looking at Baartman as one of SA’s best white-ball bowlers.
He is the highest wicket-taker in the SA20, won the league twice and made a final, I remind you, it’s a comp that has 4 INTERNATIONAL players (often hitters) plus all the PROTEAS! He is number…
-Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 5, 2026
Steyn’s endorsement centered on Baartman’s unique ability to execute precise yorkers and variations that set him apart from the “raw speed” bowlers favored by the selectors. He pointed out that Baartman’s tactical execution makes him virtually unplayable in death overs, a phase where the Proteas have historically struggled. Steyn’s message sparked a massive response from the cricket community, with many agreeing that the selection panel, led by Patrick Moroneymay have prioritized reputation over recent statistical dominance. By labeling Baartman the best in the country, Steyn has put immense pressure on his chosen attack to justify his inclusion when the tournament begins next month.
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Unrivaled national domination for the excluded leader
The numbers certainly support Steyn’s outrage, as Baartman officially became the leading wicket-taker in SA20 history in the 2025-26 season. I now play for Royal pearlsBaartman has already taken 11 wickets in just four matches at a remarkable average of 12.27, recently surpassing Marco Jansen to take first place with 52 career wickets in the competition. His international record is just as impressive; Since his T20I debut in May 2024, the 32-year-old has taken 22 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 21.59. Although he was a key part of the team that reached the 2024 World Cup Finalhe has featured in just 11 of South Africa’s last 29 matches, a trend which has now resulted in a total exclusion from the 2026 global competition.
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