Tristan Stubbs set for shock T20 World Cup recall as Donovan Ferreira injury opens South Africa squad door

South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, could be forced to make a squad change ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on February 7. Donovan Ferreira picked up a shoulder injury while attempting a catch during the match between Joburg Super Kings (JSK) and Pretoria Capitals (PC) in the SA20 2025-26.

Joburg Super Kings suffered a setback against Pretoria Capitals, losing by 21 runs at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, January 17. Chasing a target of 144, the Super Kings struggled against the Capitals' spin and finished on 122 for eight in their 20 overs, falling short of the required runs.

Donovan Ferreira Injury Raises Concern for Joburg Super Kings and South Africa

Donovan Ferreira’s shoulder injury has raised serious concerns for Joburg Super Kings and South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup next month. Ferreira injured his left shoulder while attempting a catch late in the Capitals’ innings.

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The right-handed batter came out to bat at No. 8 but was clearly in discomfort. He faced just one ball, failed to connect with a pull shot, and immediately clutched his shoulder in pain. Ferreira then called for the physio and retired hurt after one ball.

The all-rounder left the field with the medical staff and did not continue his innings. He is set to undergo a scan on Sunday morning. The injury could rule him out of Monday’s match and potentially the playoffs if Joburg Super Kings qualify.

Not Really Sure - Donovan Ferreira on His Shoulder

After the match, Joburg Super Kings captain Donovan Ferreira shared an update on his shoulder injury, saying he was unsure about its severity and would undergo a full scan on Sunday before taking a call.

"Not really sure (about his shoulder), will do a full scan in the morning and take it from there. We tried to keep on striking (with the ball). Credit to Brevis and Sherfane. Tough playing cricket on a wicket like that where you don't know what you'll get," Donovan Ferreira said.

"Credit to those two but I don't think the wicket was very good. The wicket was turning. Keshav and Chase bowled well. Tough playing on a wicket like that. It's a completely different venue so it's about focussing and getting plans in place for that."

Tristan Stubbs Left Out of 15-Man Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup

Tristan Stubbs was left out of the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, a decision that sparked strong reactions among fans and experts. The 25-year-old is regarded as a top talent, but a below-par 2025 worked against him.

Stubbs is currently leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 2026. He struggled in the T20I series against India and carried that slump into the SA20 2026, where he managed only 28 runs in his first three matches.

Overall, he has scored 102 runs in six innings at an average of 34.00 and a strike rate of 120.00, with a top score of 47. In 2025, Stubbs scored 152 runs in seven T20Is at an average of 21.71 with a strike rate of 121.60, numbers that ultimately hurt his World Cup selection chances. However, he can return to the T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for Ferreira.

Also read: Shahbaz Ahmed breaks silence on being dumped from NZ T20Is despite Washington Sundar void