Walter has named several of his stalwarts returning from injury, including Anrich Nortjé, Lungi Ngidi, and Tabraiz Shamsi. 

Some tough decisions had to be made and there was no place in the squad for Gerald Coetzee and the spinner Bjorn Fortuin. Walter said he had to make a couple of tough phone calls.

‘Anrich has a little bit more experience’

“There will always be guys, who are disappointed and conversations to have – I suppose Gerald Coetzee springs to mind. He played very well in the 2023 World Cup,” Walter said.

“It was a tough decision to make, but ultimately between himself and Anrich Nortje – they both offer high pace, but Anrich has a little bit more experience.”

Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickleton will be playing in their first senior ICC event while the rest of the squad is similar to the one that reached the semifinals of the 2023 50-over World Cup in India.

ICC 2025 Champions Trophy. Photo: Facebook

The 2025 Champions Trophy will be played from 19 February to 9 March.

Proteas squad for ICC Champions Trophy: Temba Bavuma (capt), 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

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger mvh