Big names missing as South Africa announce squad for T20I series against West Indies

South Africa has unveiled its squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, featuring uncapped players Kwena Maphaka and Jason Smith.

The series, consisting of three T20Is, will mark South Africa's return to T20I action following their loss to India in the T20 World Cup final at Barbados in June.

Jason Smith, who had an impressive run in the CSA T20 Challenge with 291 runs at an average of 41.57, will bring additional pace bowling options to the team. 

Kwena Maphaka, a standout performer in the U19 World Cup earlier this year, also had a stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Maphaka was named Player of the Tournament in the U19 World Cup, having claimed 21 wickets.

However, several key players, including Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, and Heinrich Klaasen, have been omitted from the squad for various reasons. 

Several key players, including Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, and Heinrich Klaasen, have been left out for various reasons, according to Head Coach Rob Walter. Additionally, Nqaba Peter, who made his T20I debut in May, is unavailable for the series as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

"Several players were not considered for this series due to either injury, being in a conditioning block that is related to workload management, or their participation in ongoing T20 leagues," Walter said.

"This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players. It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition, similar to the last time we played against the West Indies in May," he added.

South Africa T20I squad against West Indies:

Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen and Lizaad Williams