Injury to Donovan Ferreira (Photo: PTI)
South Africa, Donovan Ferreira: T20 World Cup 2026 is starting from 7th February. But, before that, the South African team seems to be facing a big setback. This is because its strong all-rounder Donovan Ferreira has been injured. Ferreira injured his shoulder while playing in SA20, after which suspense is looming over his playing in the tournament.
Donovan Ferreira got injured in the match played between Johannesburg Super Kings and Pretoria Capitals on 17 January. In that match, Ferreira, playing for Johannesburg Super Kings, was fielding at the cover boundary when he dived to stop a ball, injuring his shoulder. After fielding, Ferreira also came to bat in that match but due to shoulder injury, he could not play more than one ball and retired hurt. According to ESPN Cricinfo, he has a fracture in his shoulder.
The shoulder fracture has not only ruled Donovan Ferreira out of the SA20 but has also put a threat to his playing in the T20 World Cup 2026. If there is a fracture then there is very little possibility that he will be fit till the T20 World Cup. In such a situation, his chances of being out of the ICC tournament have increased.
Now the question is that if Donovan Ferreira is out, who will replace him? The answer to this question is Ryan Rickleton. This wicketkeeper batsman has not been selected in the South Africa team for T20 World Cup 2026. But, if Donovan is out, then there are full chances that he may get a place in the South Africa team.
Now the question is why is Richlton a strong contender? The answer to this question lies in his performance in SA20. Rickleton is the highest run-scorer in SA20. He has scored 337 runs in 9 innings played in this T20 league, which includes 2 centuries. During this period, his strike rate has been above 156 and 24 sixes have been seen hitting him.
