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Bavuma To Lead; Nortje To Miss Out? South Africa's Probable Squad For Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa in Champions Trophy (Source:@thefield_in/X.com)Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa in Champions Trophy (Source:@thefield_in/X.com)

The Champions Trophy 2025 is around the corner, and the debates around the make-up of teams featuring in the competition is heating up. It is an 8-team tournament and has always been a competitive one. Pakistan won the last edition in 2017 and the tournament will be played in hybrid model this time around with UAE hosting some games along with the reigning champions.

South Africa are one of the dark horses as always and have a strong arsenal at their disposal. They made it to the semifinal of the 2023 World Cup and to the final of T20 World Cup 2024 recently, so they are a team in form and let's now see the composition of their team for the upcoming ICC event.

In-Form Rickelton To Open With Captain Temba Bavuma

Ryan Rickelton has been in great form in recent times and has scored runs across formats. There are options like Tony de Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks too, but couple of good knocks from Rickelton in the Ireland series makes him a favourite. Also, his aggressive batting makes him a perfect fit in place of retried Quinton de Kock. Tony de Zorzi could be the backup opener while Reeza Hendricks might miss out after poor run-of-form in the format and can be included in reserves.

Captain Temba Bavuma would also continue to open and South Africa would be hoping that he translates his Test form in the ODI format too.

Miller-Klaasen Provide Firepower In The Middle

South Africa have players with power as well as stability in the middle order. Rassie van der Dussen is prolific in ODI cricket with average around 50 while Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Miller and Heinrich Klaasen form a world-class middle order. The duo of Klaasen and Miller would be especially crucial with their ability to attack spin and destroy bowling attacks when they are in full flow.

Marco Jasen and Wiaan Mulder would be the two pace-bowling all-rounders in the squad and Marco would fit into the XI at number  seven or eight according to the conditions and combination preference. 

Kagiso Rabada And Anrich Nortje Form Formidable Pace Duo

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje with their pace and experience of bowling in subcontinent conditions would be crucial for South Africa. Both are world-class performers and the Proteas would be banking on them to make inroads. Nortje did not play a single ODI in 2024, but if he is fit, he is game-changer and has the ability to pick wickets in middle overs on flat decks. However, his selection is subject to his fitness and confidence of management in his skills.

Lungi Ngidi would be the back-up pacer in the squad. The spin departmenent would be looked after by two spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. The likes of Ottinel Baartman and Bjorn Fortuin are also good options, but they might miss the ticket in the main squad and could be added in travelling reserves.

Overall, South Africa look a strong unit with almost all bases covered and it is upto them to not crumble under pressure and deliver to their billing.

South Africa's Probable Squad For Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma (C), Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tony De Zorzi, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder

Travelling Reserves: Ottinel Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks

South Africa's Strongest XI For Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma (C)

Ryan Rickelton

Rassie Van Der Dussen

Aiden Markram

David Miller

Heinrich Klaasen(WK)

Marco Jansen

Keshav Maharaj

Kagiso Rabada

Anrich Nortje

Tabraiz Shamsi