South Africa has unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with Temba Bavuma continuing as captain. The squad marks the return of pacers Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, both fully fit after extended injury layoffs. Nortje has been sidelined from ODI cricket since September 2023 due to a back stress fracture, which caused him to miss the ODI World Cup 2023 and subsequent series. Ngidi, recovering from a groin injury sustained in October 2024, also makes a much-anticipated comeback to the national side.
The pace attack, which also features Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, forms the core of South Africa’s bowling unit. However, Gerald Coetzee remains unavailable due to a groin injury suffered during the first Test against Sri Lanka in late 2024, which kept him out of the home series against Pakistan as well. Nandre Burger, recovering from a lumbar stress reaction sustained before the Ireland ODI series, is another notable absentee. In their stead, Wiaan Mulder, a pace-bowling all-rounder, has been included following his recovery from a fractured finger.
The squad also introduces four players making their ICC 50-over event debut: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder. This quartet joins a largely retained core from the 2023 ODI World Cup squad, with 10 of the 15 players returning after helping the Proteas reach the semi-finals.
The batting unit is bolstered by experienced players such as Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, and Rassie van der Dussen. Spin duties will be handled by Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, adding variety to the Proteas' bowling attack.
Temba Bavuma will look to draw inspiration from his leadership success, having captained South Africa to the ODI World Cup final in 2023 and to the World Test Championship (WTC) final set for June 2025 at Lord’s. South Africa will aim to go a step further this time and lift the Champions Trophy, a title they last won in 1998.
The Proteas are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Afghanistan, and England. Their group stage campaign begins in Karachi, where they will play two matches, with their third fixture scheduled in Rawalpindi.
Full South Africa Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025:
- Temba Bavuma (captain)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Lungi Ngidi
- Anrich Nortje
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Rassie van der Dussen
South Africa enters the tournament with a balanced squad combining experience and fresh talent, poised to challenge for the coveted trophy.
