3 Out Of Form South Africa Players Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma for South Africa. [Source - ICC/x.com]

The much awaited Champions Trophy 2025 is just a few days away as it is set to commence from February 19 in Pakistan and UAE. Host Pakistan will be up against New Zealand in the tournament’s curtain raiser in Karachi to mark the return of an ICC (International Cricket Council) event back to Pakistan after almost more than three decades.

The excitement can already be seen amongst the cricket fans around the world as they cannot wait to see their favourite cricketing nation in action in the premier 50-over competition. This will be the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy as its first edition took place way back in 1998 and South Africa emerged as the inaugural champions.

Since then the Proteas men's side has astoundingly come close but couldn't win any other ICC event till date. Eyeing to end their trophy drought this year, South Africa has announced their 15-men squad which will be led by captain Temba Bavuma.

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Notably, despite boasting a good squad on paper, South Africa are carrying some out of form players who really need to catch up ahead of the tournament.

3. Temba Bavuma

Temba Bavuma had a very poor 2024 in ODIs and could not replicate what was a decent year for the batter in 2023. In addition, it wasn't the best start to Bavuma’s preparation for the Champions Trophy as he got out early scoring a mere 20 in the first match against New Zealand in the Tri-Nation series in Pakistan.

Additionally, he didn't play in the SA20 this year and really has to start from scratch ahead of the ICC mega event. There is no doubt about Bavuma’s Test credentials in recent times but the South African skipper really needs to up his game in the 50-over format ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

Bavuma's recent numbers in ODI and SA20 Matches

2. Tabraiz Shamsi

Wrist spinners are one of the key weapons a team can have in 50-over format and Tabraiz Shamsi being a left-arm chinaman makes it even better. However, Shamsi’s recent form with the white ball doesn't really give confidence at the moment.

Be it in the recent ODI games or SA20 2025, Shamsi has failed to perform up to the mark. With maximum two games left before the Champions Trophy kicks off, the wrist spinner really needs to step-up and contribute to what can be a memorable next one month for South Africa Cricket.

Shamsi's recent numbers in ODIs and SA20 matches

1. Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi had a below average series against Ireland which was the last outing for the pacer in ODIs before featuring in the Tri-Nation series match on Monday, February 10, where he conceded almost at 8 an over with zero wickets in 7 overs.

Additionally, Ngidi had a terrible SA20 2025 where he could only take 2 wickets in five games and conceded almost 11 runs per over for Paarl Royals. Going ahead, Ngidi can really create problems for Bavuma and his men if the opportunity arrives and he doesn't really change things from here.

Ngidi's recent form in ODIs and SA20 matches

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