South Africa name two uncapped players in T20 World Cup 2024 squad, Anrich Nortje returns

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have named their 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which begins on June 1. Right-arm speedster Anrich Nortje has returned to the fold after struggling with a back injury in the last few months, forcing him to miss the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Ryan Rickelton and Ottniel Baartman were the two uncapped players named in the squad, which Aiden Markram will captain.

Rickelton was among the top batters in SA20 2024 and the CSA T20 competition. The left-hander finished SA20 2024 as the highest run-getter with 530 runs in 10 matches. The 27-year-old was the second-highest run-getter in the CSA T20 challenge with 441 runs in 10 games.

Right-arm seamer Baartman has been equally impressive, picking up 18 wickets in eight matches in SA20 2024. He is one of the four specialist seamers along with Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Gerald Coetzee.

Temba Bavuma couldn't find a spot, with the selectors preferring Reeza Hendricks, who will compete with Rickelton for the opening spot alongside Quinton de Kock.

The Proteas have picked two travelling reserves as seamers in Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi.

South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Keshav Maharaj, Ottniel Baartman, David Miller, Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Bjorn Fortuin, Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen.

Travelling reserves: Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi.

Anrich Nortje's recent form a worry for South Africa

Nortje hasn't played an international game since September last year, and has been far from impressive in IPL 2024 for the Delhi Capitals.

The right-arm speedster has claimed seven wickets in six matches but has conceded runs at a rate of 13.36. In 31 T20Is, Nortje has claimed 38 scalps at 19.52.

South Africa are clubbed with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Nepal in Group D for the showpiece event.