Veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir is set for a remarkable return to the Dolphins at 46, after being named in their squad for the upcoming CSA One Day Cup.
Tahir, who represented the Dolphins in South Africa’s domestic circuit from 2010-11 to 2019-20, re-joins the franchise as they prepare to defend their 50-over title, beginning with their opener against the Warriors in Gqeberha. Former South Africa international Jon-Jon (JJ) Smuts also returns to the squad following his recent appearance for Italy at the T20 World Cup.
Experience called upon amid national call-ups
Tahir’s comeback comes at a critical time for the Dolphins. The franchise will be without seven key players due to South Africa’s white-ball commitments, including a five-match T20I tour of New Zealand starting March 15.
Among those involved at national level are Keshav Maharaj — who will captain South Africa in New Zealand — as well as Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman, Prenelan Subrayen, Eathan Bosch, Andile Simelane and Jason Smith.
In his statement to ESPNcricinfo, head coach Quinton Friend made clear that Tahir’s presence is both strategic and cultural.
“It’s going to be huge for us to lose that many players but, in saying that, we are extremely proud of those players. I want to say well done to them because they’ve done exceptionally well and are reaping the rewards,” Friend said.
“We will be challenged by this, but we are embracing that, and we’ve done a lot of work over the last two years with our pipeline to get players up to a level where they can compete and win matches for us.
“The expectation is always to go out and win this trophy and find consistency in the competition. We need to find a way to put together a team that can win games, and that’s an exciting challenge for us.”
Against that backdrop, Tahir’s experience becomes invaluable.
“Imran is a fantastic team guy, and we are really looking forward to having him in our space for the One Day Cup,” Dolphins coach Quinton Friend said.
“With us losing all those players for the New Zealand tour, I thought it would be great to bring in a guy like Imran with all his experience, and we’re really excited to have him in our changeroom.”
One Day Cup central to South Africa’s World Cup build-up
Beyond squad depth, the 2026 CSA One Day Cup carries broader strategic importance for South African cricket. With a 50-over World Cup set to be hosted in South Africa in 2027, the domestic competition is seen as a key platform for sharpening white-ball skills and building depth in the format.
Friend underlined that significance.
“I think it’s a fantastic format, and building up to that World Cup it’s really important that we can focus on the things we want to achieve as a nation at that tournament. From a CSA perspective, the One Day Cup is massive for domestic cricket and is definitely one of those competitions that everyone wants to win,” Friend added.
For Tahir, who will be 48 by the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, the return is another chapter in a career defined by longevity and adaptability. For the Dolphins, it is a calculated move — blending youth pipeline development with elite experience — as they navigate a season shaped by international scheduling pressures.
Dolphins squad for CSA One Day Cup 2026
Andile Simelane, Marques Ackerman, Imran Tahir, Prenelan Subrayen (capt), Eathan Bosch, Nqobani Mokoena, Khaya Zondo, Slade van Staden, Hanu Viljoen, Romashan Pillay, Tristan Luus, Jon-Jon Smuts, Ottniel Baartman, Tshepang Dithole.
