South Africa Announce Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
South Africa has announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with skipper Temba Bavuma leading a strong unit featuring the return of key pacers Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje. Both bowlers, having recovered from injuries, are set to bolster the Proteas’ campaign as they look to build on their impressive run to the semifinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Key Inclusions and Exclusions
Returns:
- Anrich Nortje: Recovered from a big toe injury that kept him out of the Pakistan series.
- Lungi Ngidi: Returns after missing series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to a groin strain.
Misses Out:
- Gerald Coetzee: Groin injury sustained during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban ruled him out.
- Nandre Burger: Lumbar stress reaction suffered ahead of the Ireland ODIs in October made him unavailable.
All-Rounder Wiaan Mulder: Despite breaking his middle finger in the Sri Lanka series, Mulder made a comeback during the Pakistan Tests, proving his fitness for the tournament.
Spin Options
The Proteas will rely on a two-pronged spin attack with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. Aiden Markram’s part-time off-spin adds a versatile option, providing balance to the squad.
Group B Fixtures
- vs. Afghanistan: February 21, Karachi
- vs. Australia: February 25, Rawalpindi
- vs. England: March 1, Rawalpindi
South Africa’s challenging group includes three other strong teams—Afghanistan, Australia, and England.
South Africa Squad
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Lungi Ngidi
- Anrich Nortje
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Rassie van der Dussen
Analysis
South Africa’s squad looks balanced, with a strong bowling attack featuring Rabada, Ngidi, and Nortje, complemented by the spin duo of Maharaj and Shamsi. Their batting, led by Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen, provides depth and experience.
With fitness concerns behind key players and a mix of youth and experience, South Africa will aim to make a deep run in the tournament and challenge for their first ICC trophy.
