Ngidi, De Kock shine as seniors struggle in India

FOLLOWING South Africa's penultimate bilateral T20I series before the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, the 1-3 series loss in India, several players have questions marks hanging over their head in terms of making the Proteas squad for the showpiece event.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

South Africa were poor in some games during the India series, especially the opening game where they were bowled out for 70-odd in Cuttack, their lowest total in T20I cricket.

They were also brilliant in some games, with the second match in New Chandigarh where they beat India by 51 runs to level the series being their highlight of the series.

Two players stood out, and it’s the vastly experienced fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock.

Ngidi was not only South Africa's best bowler but was the second best in the series between the teams as he finished with six wickets at an average of 18 in the series.

The 29-year-old was also impressive in terms of keeping India’s batters quiet weith an economy rate of seven runs per over.