New Delhi, Jan. 22 -- South Africa's quest for a maiden T20 World Cup triumph took a major hit after Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira were ruled out of the mega event, starting next month, due to respective injuries. Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs were named as replacements in the 15-member squad.

Wicketkeeper De Zorzi had sustained a right hamstring muscle tear while playing against India in the ODI series late last year. His rehabilitation has not progressed as expected and will not be match fit by the time T20 World Cup 2026 starts on February 7.

On the other hand, Ferreira, a batting all-rounder, sustained a fracture of his left clavicle during Joburg Super Kings' SA20 clash against Pretoria Capitals at the Wanderers Stadium on...