South Africa’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, which is slated to start on February 7, have been affected by injury concerns that continue to increase with senior players David Miller and Lungi Ngidi sustaining injuries while taking part in the ongoing SA20 competition.
David Miller suffered a groin injury during the SA20 match
Experienced batter David Miller twisted his groin while fielding for Paarl Royals in the last SA20 group match against Joburg Super Kings (JSK) on Monday. As a matter of caution, Miller did not come out for batting, as Royals were already not going to be a factor for a win as they needed 167 runs for victory.
Despite this loss, the Paarl Royals fell to the third spot in the points table, thus meeting the team JSK in the Eliminator match in Centurion on Thursday.
Decision on Miller’s Availability Pending
Contrary to his previous performances, David Miller has been traveling with the Paarl Royals squad, although a final decision will be taken on his involvement in the Eliminator. His prospects will also be closely monitored by the national selectors of South Africa, given the impact it might have on the forthcoming squad selection for the T20 World Cup.
Lungi Ngidi Exits Ground with Leg Complaint
Another cause for concern was fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who walked off during the Pretoria Capitals versus Sunrisers Eastern Cape match in the qualifier match. Ngidi was heavily strapped on his leg, but he managed to start with the new ball before walking off after bowling only two overs.
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The Capitals’ bowling coach, Shaun Pollock, later revealed that this might have been a precautionary measure and a tightening of the strapping rather than a necessity for a medical break.
South Africa’s Injury List Continues to Grow
These player issues related to David Miller and Lungi Ngidi are happening when South Africa already have several fitness concerns. Donovan Ferreira is likely to be absent due to the shoulder fracture he suffered in the SA20, while Tony De Zorzi remains on observation with the hamstring injury he picked in India in December last year.
De Zorzi is expected to be available for South Africa’s forthcoming T20 Internationals series against West Indies, which is set for next week.
Selection Dilemmas Ahead of West Indies T20Is
The squad for the West Indies series is expected to be announced Thursday, and the players expected in the squad are those whose SA20 teams have been eliminated early. It is expected that players for MI Cape Town (MICT) and Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) will join the national side.
Ryan Rickelton could also be looked at as a potential deputy for the T20 World Cup if De Zorzi is unable to regain full fitness. The following players may have to forego their place in the squad, at least temporarily, owing to the SA20 play-offs: Tristan Stubbs, Ottneil Baartman.
Possible Replacements for Miller and Ngidi
If David Miller or Lungi Ngidi are ruled out through injuries, Stubbs and Baartman are considered to be in a favored position to fill this gap. According to guidelines provided by the ICC, teams are allowed to make changes in their T20 World Cup pool until January 31. However, postdeadline changes are only allowed in case of injuries that might lead to the end of a tournament.
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