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3 South African Players Who Could Make A Surprise Entry Into The Champions Trophy Squad

Jatin

South Africa squad for CT 2025 has one vacant spot [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/x.com]South Africa squad for CT 2025 has one vacant spot [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/x.com]

Cricket is a game full of twists and turns and selection dramas are nothing new. Just when it seemed like Gerald Coetzee was back in action and ready to replace Anrich Nortje in South Africa’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, another twist hit the Proteas camp.

A sudden groin issue has ruled Coetzee out, leaving South Africa scrambling to find a replacement. With the Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, this last-minute shake-up has thrown the doors wide open for some uncapped or fringe pacers to sneak into the squad.

The upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and New Zealand, along with the SA20 final, could suddenly put a few names in the mix.

Let’s take a look at three players who can suddenly land a spot in the squad.

3. Junior Dala

With Coetzee ruled out, the selectors might want someone who can bowl quick, hit the deck hard, and bring the X-factor and that’s exactly what Junior Dala brings to the table.

  • Dala has already been added to the first ODI squad for the tri-series, so he’s already in the mix.
  • He’s got raw pace, and while his SA20 numbers (4 wickets in 5 matches) weren’t spectacular, his ability to trouble batters on hard, bouncy surfaces could come in handy in Pakistan.
  • He has international experience with 2 ODIs and 10 T20Is, having picked up 14 wickets in his career so far.

If he puts up a strong performance in the tri-series, the selectors might just hand him a ticket to the Champions Trophy.



2. Hardus Viljoen

There’s always room for a seasoned campaigner in a tournament as intense as the Champions Trophy. Enter Hardus Viljoen, who has been in fine form in SA20 2025 for the Joburg Super Kings.

  • He’s picked up four wickets in eight games, but more importantly, he has been economical and consistent, averaging 15.85 with an economy of 7.92.
  • Much like Coetzee, he’s a hit-the-deck-hard sort of bowler—the type of bowler who can thrive on Pakistan’s wickets.
  • South Africa could benefit from his experience and control, especially in high-pressure situations.

With a vacant fast-bowling slot up for grabs, Viljoen is someone who could suddenly make it into the squad.

1. Corbin Bosch

If South Africa is looking for someone who can contribute with both bat and ball, Corbin Bosch could be the dark horse selection.

  • He made his international debut against Pakistan recently, and he’s been turning heads ever since.
  • In SA20 2025, he’s been outstanding for MI Cape Town, picking up 10 wickets in seven games at an average of 16.40.
  • He’s not just a bowler, he can swing the bat too as seen in his debut series for South Africa.

If he delivers a standout performance in the SA20 final, it wouldn’t be surprising if the selectors reward him with a Champions Trophy call-up.

South Africa’s Selection Dilemma

With Coetzee out, the Proteas think tank has some big calls to make. Do they go for raw pace with Dala? Do they back experience with Viljoen? Or do they take a gamble on the all-round abilities of Bosch?

The answer might come down to how these players perform in their upcoming matches. A strong showing in the tri-series or the SA20 final could be all it takes for one of them to suddenly make it into the South Africa squad for Champions Trophy.