‘He’s number 1’: Dale Steyn expresses anger over pacer’s exclusion from South Africa’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

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As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, South Africa have officially unveiled their 15-member squad, aiming to finally secure their first global title. Led by Aiden Markram, the selection features a heavy emphasis on raw pace, but the inclusion of stars like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje has been overshadowed by a major selection controversy.

South African legend Dale Steyn has publicly voiced his frustration over the exclusion of a certain in-form pacer, leading to a heated debate across social media. While the Proteas have opted for high-velocity options, the absence of one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit has left fans and experts questioning the team’s balance. This decision is particularly shocking given the bowler’s record-breaking run in the ongoing SA20 season.

On January 6, 2026, Steyn took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief at the snub of Ottneil Baartman, a player he mentored as a bowling coach for three seasons at Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Steyn argued that Baartman has evolved into “one of SA’s best white-ball bowlers” and that his omission is impossible to justify given his current form. “He’s the highest wicket-taker in SA20, won the league twice and made a final… That’s a comp that has 4 international players plus all the Proteas! He’s number 1,” Steyn tweeted. The legendary pacer emphasized that while Baartman is delivering “top quality” performances against the world’s best batters, he will unfairly be “sitting home” during the marquee tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

We really need to start looking at Baartman as one of SA’s best white ball bowlers.

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…

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 5, 2026

Steyn’s endorsement centered on Baartman’s unique ability to execute pinpoint 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 the death overs, a phase where the Proteas have historically struggled. Steyn’s post sparked a massive reaction from the cricketing community, with many agreeing that the selection panel, led by Patrick Moroney, may have prioritized reputation over recent statistical dominance. By labeling Baartman the country’s best, Steyn has put immense pressure on the chosen pace attack to justify their inclusion when the tournament kicks off next month.

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The numbers certainly support Steyn’s outrage, as Baartman has officially become the leading wicket-taker in SA20 history during the 2025-26 season. Now playing for the Paarl Royals, Baartman has already claimed 11 wickets in just four matches at a remarkable average of 12.27, recently surpassing Marco Jansen to take the top spot with 52 career wickets in the competition. His international record is equally 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. Despite being a key part of the squad that reached the World Cup final 2024, he has featured in only 11 of South Africa’s last 29 matches, a trend that has now culminated in a total exclusion from the 2026 global showpiece.

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