‘He can’t sit at home’ – Dale Steyn questions Ottneil Baartman’s T20 World Cup sweetie

Bearded man was part of the South African squad that finished second to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final in Barbados. However, since that tournament, the 32-year-old has played in only 11 of South Africa’s 29 T20Is. Despite strong domestic performances, he was left out of the 15-man squad for the 2026 edition, which was due to take place in India and Sri Lanka. The jury opted for a fast attack with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Corbin Bosch and left-handed teenager Kwena Maphaka.

The omission of the right arm happened despite his excellent record in the SA20. He recently became the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, surpassing Marco Jansen, and has been one of the most consistent bowlers across all editions. Steyn, who worked closely with Baartman as his bowling coach at Sunrisers Eastern Cape for three seasons, spoke about his omission from the national squad for the big event.

“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, has won the competition twice and made it to a final. Let me remind you that’s a comp with four INTERNATIONAL players (often batters) plus all the PROTEAS! He’s number 1. That’s TOP quality, but he’ll be at home for the 20/20 World Cup this year,” the former South African cricketer wrote on X.

The Oudtshoorn native recently bowled a match-winning spell for Paarl Royals against MI Cape Town at Newlands, finishing with figures of 2 for 8 in 2.4 overs. Paarl Royals captain David Miller sympathized with his teammate, noting how difficult such omissions can be, but praised Baartman’s professionalism in continuing to perform.

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