Dale Steyn questions Baartman’s omission from South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has questioned Ottneil Baartman's omission from South Africa's T20 World Cup squad, despite the bowler topping the SA20 wicket-takers' list.

Baartman, part of South Africa's 2024 squad that lost to India in the final of the T20 World Cup in Barbados, has played in just 11 of the Proteas' 29 matches since then and finds himself on the sidelines as the team aims to go one better next month.

Although the squad was finalised a week after the fourth edition of the SA20 began, convener Patrick Moroney maintained it was too early in the tournament to influence World Cup selection.

South Africa have opted for a pace-heavy approach, including six fast bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, and Anrich Nortje. While this provides raw speed, the side may lack variation.

Steyn, who coached Baartman during the first three SA20 seasons at Sunrisers Eastern Cape, said the seamer should be regarded as "one of South Africa's best white-ball bowlers."

"We really need to start looking at Baartman as one of SA's best white-ball bowlers," Steyn tweeted.

"He's the highest wicket-taker in SA20, won the league twice, and made a final — a competition with four international players plus all the Proteas! He's number one. That's top quality, but he'll be sitting home for this year's T20 World Cup," he added.

Baartman's latest performance at Newlands, where he helped Paarl Royals bowl MICT out for their lowest SA20 score, highlighted his form. He dismissed Nicholas Pooran at a crucial stage and finished with 2 for 8 in 2.4 overs, reinforcing Steyn's point.

Paarl captain David Miller sympathised with Baartman, noting: "It's hard on guys missing out. The response is the biggest thing — how they come back. He's done that, coming out and performing despite the disappointment."

Baartman will look to continue his strong SA20 campaign when Paarl Royals face Joburg Super Kings at the Wanderers on Thursday.

South Africa squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Jason Smith, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, George Linde and Donovan Ferreira.