South Africa's Probable Squad For 2023 World Cup | Can African Chokers Choke The World To Create History?
Quinton de Kock will be a key player for South Africa (Twitter)
The Proteas are an enigma in the world of cricket! Every time a world event comes across, they are one of the favourites to lift the title. However, somehow, it always ends in a heartbreak. The saga started in the 1992 World Cup and since then, we have seen some great South African teams crumbling on the big stage.
They have been tagged as 'Chokers' over the years, a tag that has been haunting them in multi-nation tournaments for a long time now. However, there is something different about the aura around South African team this time around. Very few people are giving them chance to make it into the semifinals and that might just go in their favour with no pressure of delivering around them.
There is no dearth of superstars in their line-up though with players like Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Kagiso Rabada at their disposal. Let's now see, what can be their probable 15-member squad for the all-important World Cup.
South Africa's Probable Squad For World Cup 2023:
Batters: Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks
South Africa have quality batters in their line-up but some of them are underrated at the international level. Temba Bavuma will lead the side and he will open for the Proteas along with charismatic Quinton de Kock.
Rassie van der Dussen has been prolific at number 3 and has an ODI average of 60.58. The likes of Aiden Markram, Miller and Heinrich Klaasen will follow him and if they play to their potential, they can destroy any bowling line-up in the world. Reeza Hendricks will go with the team as a backup opener.
All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wayne Parnell
South Africa have always produced quality all-rounders and this time, they might go with two seam-all-rounders and one spin-bowling all-rounder in the form of George Linde. Marco Jansen and Wayne Parnell are two quality cricketers, with abilities to make impact with both bat and ball while George Linde can be crucial in Indian conditions on the decks that are assisting spinners.
There is an option of Andile Phehlukwayo too but as Keshav Maharaj is ruled out of the World Cup, South Africa will need a spinner in Indian conditions.
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi
South Africa have always produced world-class pacers and things are no different in the current setup. They have Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje to lead the pace attack with their intimidating pace and extraordinary skills. Lungi Ngidi and Sisanda Magala are also quality performers and the Proteas would be banking on their pace attack to rattle opponents.
Their spin-bowling arsenal too have quality with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi forming a formidable spin duo. Shamsi is a wicket-taking bowler and Maharaj is one of the most consistent bowlers in world cricket.
South Africa's Predicted Playing XI for World Cup 2023
Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj.
Our Verdict
South Africa have bunch of talented cricketers and most of their players have the experience of playing in India. Heinrich Klaasen has been in the form of his life and is one of the finest hitters against spin. He will be an x-factor for South Africa and the Proteas can be termed as the 'DARK HORSES' of this World Cup. Don't be surprised if they make it to the top four in place of some of the more fancied teams.
.png "Klaasen shows his class")
 "Aashay Chopade")
