SA Squad for the T20Is against Pakistan - 2021

Henrich Klassen has been announced as the Captain for the T20I Series against Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place from 11th of February to 14th of February with three T20 games, which is set to be played at Lahore, Pakistan. A sudden shocking but yet a smart move to ensure the safety of players inside the bio bubble rules and also the fear of growing COVID-19 concerns. 

Two to three months back, the series between South Africa and Pakistan have been announced. A month ago, both the teams have announced their test squads, which is going to be held from 26th January to 8th February, with two tests. In between these announcements, there were concerns raising on South Africa's T20I squads, as they are the visiting team in the midst of COVID-19 period. 

Now, they have announced their T20I squad with Henrich Klassen, leading the side. Why Decock isn't available ? The answer is due to COVID-19 protocols, Cricket South Africa have decided to rotate its players in respect to the formats. So, a large side is carried to the Pakistan, in which this T20I side will also travel with the test squad. 

So, what about the test squad ? The named test squad will return back to South Africa, for featuring in the test series against Australia, which is almost on the cards. "The plans and route maps for the players and coaches are yet to be named, which is on the process" said by Mark Bouncher, the coach of South African Men's Team. 

Henrich Klassen has captaincy experience in the local formats. He has captained Titans team, 21 times across all formats. Along with this, he has led Spartans side for the Mazansi Super League. So, abundance of experience is present in him. 

David Miller, was a obvious choice for leading the side, as he has played 78 T20Is in 11 years. But, choosing Klassen over Miller, is due to his experience in leading a team. 

SA Squad -  Heinrich Klaasen (c), Nandre Burger, Okuhle Cele, Junior Dala, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Janneman Malan, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Ryan Rickleton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Jon-Jon Smuts, Pite van Biljon, Glenton Stuurman, Jacques Snyman.

Okuhle Cele, Nandre Burger and Jacques Snyman have earned their maiden international call-up. S, an additin of pace attack is seen in the form of Okuhle Cele, Nandre Burger along with Junior Dala, Lutho Sipamla and Glenton Stuurman. An young side with few experienced campaigners.