Not long ago, specialist spinners were a rarity in South African cricket. From the mid-90s to the mid-2000s, they were often optional extras rather than match-defining weapons. That shifted in the 2010s, when Imran Tahir became a white-ball mainstay and Keshav Maharaj cemented himself in Tests. Now, under new white-ball coach Shukri Conrad, spin bowlers may have to add a fresh skill to stay in the team — meaningful batting contributions.
“It’s always better to pack your XI with as many genuine allrounders as possible,” Conrad explained from Darwin, where South Africa start a 20-game T20I build-up to the 2026 World Cup. “And when I say allrounders, I mean players who can genuinely contribute with both bat and ball.”
That shift in thinking has seen Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi — South Africa’s top wicket-taker in T20Is — left out of the touring squad for Australia. Instead, Conrad has opted for three spin-bowling allrounders: George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy (both left-arm orthodox) and offspinner Prenelan Subrayen. All three have healthy strike rates over 110 and experience batting in the middle or lower-middle order.
Maharaj and Shamsi, whose strike rates sit below that mark and who are not known for their hitting ability, were also absent from last month’s T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe. Conrad confirmed that Linde and Muthusamy currently have the “inside lane” for World Cup selection, signalling a possible long-term shift away from the established pair in this format.
Linde’s Second Chance
For Linde, a World Cup call-up would be a career milestone — and a comeback story. Despite featuring in almost every match before the 2021 tournament, he was omitted from the final squad, falling out of form and confidence. His recall came last year under Rob Walter, and he responded in style: career-best bowling figures of 4 for 21 and a 48 off 24-ball blitz against Pakistan.
He has since added consistent late-innings cameos, including 23* off 15 and 30 off 20 in Zimbabwe, and has four T20 fifties to his name. That batting punch could give him the edge in selection.
Muthusamy’s Patience Rewarded
Senuran Muthusamy has waited quietly for his chance. He spent much of the Test summer as a reserve but enjoyed regular SA20 game time with Pretoria Capitals, featuring in all 10 group matches. In Zimbabwe, he was South Africa’s most effective spinner and even batted at No. 4 in one game, though his 7-run return left work to do.
“Being part of the squad and learning from senior players is invaluable,” Muthusamy said, noting the influence of England’s Adil Rashid on his tactical approach.
Maharaj & Shamsi — Future Unclear
Maharaj hinted at the CSA Awards that he “only plays two formats now,” while Shamsi, who turned down a national contract in 2023, is still awaiting a one-on-one with Conrad about his future. Newly appointed convenor of selectors Patrick Moroney may have the final say on their T20I prospects.
A Busy Path to the World Cup
South Africa have a packed lead-up to the tournament, with T20Is against Australia, England, Pakistan, Namibia, India, and West Indies. For Conrad, these games will be about both results and experimentation.
“I’ve only been in this role a short time,” he said. “These matches are about developing combinations, winning games, and finding the right squad for Indian conditions. It’s a valuable opportunity for the entire coaching group.”
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