South Africa’s 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 to March 9, this will be the ninth edition of the prestigious tournament, marking its return after an eight-year hiatus. The hybrid model will see Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosting the competition, with the reigning champions Pakistan aiming to defend their title.

Tournament format and schedule

The eight participating teams – India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia, England, New Zealand and Afghanistan – have been divided into two groups of four. The event will kick off on February 19, with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi. India’s highly anticipated group-stage match against New Zealand will take place on March 2 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, while the final will be held on March 9.

The Champions Trophy has always been a fiercely competitive tournament, with its compact format allowing little room for error. As teams finalize their squads ahead of the ICC’s January 12 deadline, discussions about team compositions and strategies are heating up.

South Africa’s chances in the tournament

South Africa will enter the Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the potential contenders. Known for their consistent performances in ICC tournaments, the Proteas are aiming to end a long title drought in this event. They last tasted glory in the inaugural edition of the tournament, then known as the ICC Knockout Trophy, in 1998 in Bangladesh. However, since then, South Africa has struggled in the Champions Trophy, failing to reach another final and crashing out in the group stage in 2017.

Temba Bavuma’s side has shown promise in recent years, reaching the semifinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite suffering a 0-3 home series defeat against Pakistan recently, South Africa remains a strong contender. Their preparations include a tri-series in Multan involving Pakistan and New Zealand, giving them a chance to regain momentum ahead of the tournament.

Key challenges and opportunities

The Champions Trophy 2025 presents unique challenges, especially with matches spread across two distinct venues – Pakistan’s spin-friendly tracks and the UAE’s flat, batting-friendly pitches. For teams like South Africa, adapting quickly to varying conditions will be crucial. As the January 12 deadline for squad submissions looms, selectors are working to finalize their rosters. South Africa, in particular, will need to strike a balance between experienced campaigners and promising newcomers. With Bavuma leading the side, the Proteas will hope to rely on their in-form players to navigate the tournament’s high-pressure environment.

Also READ: Cricket South Africa responds to sports minister’s call for Afghanistan boycott in Champions Trophy 2025

Here’s predicted South Africa’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025

1. Temba Bavuma (Captain)

Temba Bavuma is the steadying force at the top of South Africa’s batting order. Known for his composure under pressure, he brings leadership and tactical acumen to the team. While his form in ODIs has been inconsistent lately, Bavuma’s ability to anchor the innings will be pivotal on slow Pakistan pitches. His captaincy will play a crucial role in navigating high-stakes matches.

2. Aiden Markram

A versatile batter, Aiden Markram is equally adept at playing attacking and consolidative roles. Markram’s ability to play spin effectively makes him a key player in subcontinental conditions. He can also chip in with handy off-spin, providing balance to the XI. His recent form in white-ball cricket underscores his value to the team.

3. Reeza Hendricks

Reeza Hendricks is a technically sound opener known for his ability to build partnerships. With a knack for finding gaps in the powerplay, he often sets the tone for South Africa’s innings. Hendricks has been consistent in ODIs and will be crucial in combating quality pace and spin early on.

4. Heinrich Klaasen (Wicketkeeper)

One of the most destructive batters in the middle order, Heinrich Klaasen’s ability to accelerate in the death overs makes him indispensable. His wicketkeeping skills add versatility to the squad, providing an additional option behind the stumps. Klaasen’s recent heroics in white-ball cricket highlight his game-changing potential.

5. David Miller

The experienced southpaw, David Miller, is a reliable finisher who thrives under pressure. His power-hitting in the final overs can turn games around for South Africa. Miller’s ability to handle spin and pace alike makes him a crucial asset in UAE’s batting-friendly conditions.

6. Ryan Rickelton

A promising top-order batter, Ryan Rickelton is known for his aggressive approach and solid technique. While relatively new to the international stage, Rickelton has shown glimpses of brilliance in domestic cricket. His inclusion adds depth and flexibility to South Africa’s batting order.

7. Rassie van der Dussen

Rassie van der Dussen is a dependable batter who excels in building innings and rotating the strike. His consistency in ODIs makes him the backbone of South Africa’s middle order. Van der Dussen’s ability to adapt to different match situations will be critical in high-pressure games.

8. Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs is an exciting young talent with explosive batting capabilities. Known for his fearless stroke play, Stubbs is a game-changer in the lower middle order. His agility in the field adds value, making him a dynamic player in the squad.

9. Marco Jansen

A tall left-arm pacer, Marco Jansen brings a unique angle to South Africa’s bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball and extract bounce makes him a potent weapon on any surface. Jansen’s handy batting skills also make him a valuable lower-order all-rounder.

10. Corbin Bosch

Corbin Bosch is a versatile all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. Known for his accurate medium pace, he provides control in the middle overs. Bosch’s ability to finish innings with the bat makes him a strong contender for the squad.

11. Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj is South Africa’s go-to spinner in ODIs, known for his control and ability to take wickets in the middle overs. His experience on subcontinental tracks will be invaluable during the Champions Trophy. Maharaj can also contribute valuable runs lower down the order.

12. Tabraiz Shamsi

A left-arm wrist spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi is a proven wicket-taker in white-ball cricket. His variations and ability to outfox batters make him a match-winner, especially in spin-friendly conditions. Shamsi’s knack for breaking partnerships will be key in middle overs.

13. Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is the spearhead of South Africa’s pace attack, bringing speed, aggression, and accuracy. His ability to strike early with the new ball and deliver pinpoint yorkers at the death makes him indispensable. Rabada’s experience in ICC tournaments adds to his value.

14. Anrich Nortje / Wiaan Mulder

Anrich Nortje: A genuine quick, Nortje’s raw pace and hostility can rattle batters on any surface. His ability to extract extra bounce will be an asset in Pakistan and UAE.
Wiaan Mulder: A reliable seam-bowling all-rounder, Mulder provides balance to the squad with his ability to bowl tight spells and contribute with the bat in crunch situations.

15. Beuran Hendricks / Andile Phehlukwayo

Beuran Hendricks: A left-arm seamer, Hendricks adds variety to South Africa’s pace attack. His ability to swing the ball makes him effective in the powerplay.
Andile Phehlukwayo: An experienced all-rounder, Phehlukwayo’s ability to bowl in different phases and score quick runs in the lower order makes him a versatile option.