Cricket South Africa has unveiled its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. The team features a balanced mix of experienced players and fresh talent, aimed at mounting a serious challenge for the prestigious title. However, the announcement has also highlighted the absence of some prominent South African cricketers who are instead set to showcase their skills in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

The Proteas cricketers have consistently delivered stellar performances in the IPL, making them sought-after players in the tournament. However, a notable group of these stars has not been included in South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad. Factors such as injuries, lack of international experience, and personal commitments have contributed to their exclusion.

South Africa players who will feature in IPL 2025 but won’t represent their nation in the Champions Trophy

1. Faf du Plessis (Delhi Capitals)

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis, known for his leadership and batting prowess, will play for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 after being bought for INR 2 crore. Du Plessis, who last played an ODI? in June 2019, has prioritized franchise cricket over international commitments, leading to his omission from the Champions Trophy squad.

2. Gerald Coetzee (Gujarat Titans)

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, purchased by Gujarat Titans for INR 2.40 crore, is absent from the Champions Trophy squad due to a persistent groin injury. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since South Africa’s Test series against Sri Lanka, and hi??s return to the national team remains uncertain.

Also READ: Reason why Pakistan have??n’t announced their ODI squad for Champions Tro?phy 2025

3. Donovan Ferreira (Delhi Capitals)

Wicketkeeper-batter Donovan Ferreira, acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 75 lakhs, h??as yet to make his ODI debut. Despite his potential, South African selectors overlooked him for the Champions Trophy, citing his lack of experience on the international stage.

4. Quinton de Kock (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who joined Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 6.30 crore, remains a high-profile absentee. De Kock retired from Test cricket in 2021 to focus on limited-overs formats but has not represented South Africa since the T20 Worl?d Cup 2024. His uncertain availability for international duties has contributed to his exclusion.

5. Matthew Breetzke (Lucknow Super Giants)

Top-order batter Matthew Breetzke, bought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 75 lakhs, is anothe??r name missing from the Champions Trophy squad. At 26, Breetzke is yet to make his ODI debut, and selectors opted against including him due to his limited exposure in international cricket.

6. Lizaad Williams (Mumbai Indians)

Right-arm medium pacer Lizaad Williams, who fetched INR 75 lakhs from Mumbai Indians, is also absent from t?he Champions Trophy lineup. Although part of South Africa�??�s ODI squad in 2024, injury concerns have sidelined the 31-year-old, leaving his recovery timeline uncertain.

7. Kwena Maphaka (Rajasthan Royals)

The 18-year-old left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, bought by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.50 crore, has impressed in domestic cricket but lacks experience in overseas conditions. Despite his promising talent, Maphaka’s inexperience in international cricket led to his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad.

Also WATCH: D??inesh Karthik’s innings cut short by a bizarre run-out in SA20 2025

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Cricket South Africa recently announced their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in Pakistan and UAE.

A well brewed balance between experience and young talents can be seen in the South African squad. The team will be led by its seasoned campaigner Temba Bavuma who has already steered the Proteas to the finals of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) against Australia. However, South Africa is eyeing to win their maiden ICC trophy before the WTC finals and emerge from their reputation of bottling major ICC tournaments throughout their crick??eting history.

South Africa’s run in the ODI World Cup 2023

South Africa made a decent start to the ODI World Cup held in India back in 2023. The Proteas were second in the group stage only behind India with 7 wins and 2 losses. However, they faced off against Australia in the semi-finals of the tournament where they were defeated by the then 5-time world champions by 3 wickets. Thus their long-standing dream of winning a major ICC trophy could not come true. The Aussies would go on to defeat the winner of the second semi-final, India and win the? prestigious title for a record 6th time.

Keeping the memories of this unsuccessful campaign in perspective South Africa made several changes in their limited overs claim to raise a solid claim over the Champions Trophy this year. Thus, here are 5 South Af??rican players who played the ODI World cup 2023 but failed to make it to the Champions Trophy 2025 squad list.

Also Read: Cricket? South ??Africa announces squad for Champions Trophy 2025; Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi return

5 players who will not play for South Africa in Champions Trophy 2025

1) Quinton de Kock:

The ace wicket-keeper batter with 6,770 runs in the ODI format for South Africa was the third highest run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023 with 594 runs to his name. The 32-year-old even took retirement from Test cricket in 2021 to focus on the limited overs format. However, an uncertainty looms around whether he wants to play for South Africa again. De Kock has not played international cricket since South Africa’s T20 World Cup 202??4 campaign. He was also not part of the South African team in their recent white-ball series against Pakistan and India.

2) Gerald Coetzee

The young South African pace sensation, Gerald Coetzee has been kept out of the South African squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a groin injury which has been bothering him since the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Dur?ban. The 24-year-old was earlier ruled out for the Test, ODI and T20I series against Pakistan and a set date over his comeback in the South African squad is still unknown. Coetzee was the star performer for South Africa with?? the ball during the 2023 ODI World Cup where he clinched 20 wickets in 8 innings.

3) Andile Phehlukwayo

Andile Phehlukwayo is am?ongst the South African players who showed promising signs in first-class cricket but failed to leave a mark for the Proteas. He was a part of South Africa’s ODI world cup squad as a promising youngster with proven all-round abilities in South Africa’s domestic cricket. However, the 28-year-old? could never make it big in the ODI format. He was recently given the opportunity against Pakistan in the ODI series but the all-rounder failed miserably. Phehlukwayo has scored just 883 runs and taken 97 wickets in 85 ODI matches for South Africa.

4) Reeza Hendricks

Reeza Hendricks has been an important part of the South African team in the T20I format. However, his ODI commitments are still uncertain. The 35-year-old last played 50-over crick?et against Ireland in October 2024 and has since focussed on playing T20 cricket for the Proteas. Thus, it seems highly unlikely that Hendricks will feature for South Africa in ODI format ever again.

5) Lizaad Williams

Lizaad Williams was part of South Africa’s ODI squad against Ireland in October 2024, ho??wever the pa?cer has missed the opening few games for his SA20 side, Joburg Super Kings. Due to injury concerns, and an unknown recovery time the 31-year-old has been ruled out of the South African squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Also Read: Cr?icket Australia an??????????????????????????nounces squad for Champions Trophy 2025; Pat Cummins to lead the team in Pakistan

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Saim Ayub, a promising talent from Pakistan, has recently made headlines by joining an elite group of cricketers who have scored three ODI centuries before turning 23. His remarkable performance in the rain-affected third ODI against South Africa on December 22, not only showcased his batting prowess but also solidified his status as one of cricket’s rising stars.

Saim Ayub’s stellar performance in Johannesburg

Ayub’s journey to this milestone was marked by a stellar innings of 101 runs off just 94 balls, leading Pakistan to a commanding total of 308/9. This match, played in Johannesburg, was pivotal as it allowed Pakistan to achieve a historic whitewash against South Africa in a bilateral ODI series on their home turf. Ayub’s innings was characterized by a blend of controlled aggression and elegant stroke play. He reached his half-century in 51 balls and accelerated his scoring with powerful shots, including a memorable six off Marco Jansen. His century was capped off with a crisp cut shot off Aiden Markram before he was dismissed w?hile attempting an ambitious scoop shot.

Also READ: Saim Ayub’s stellar ton leads Pakistan to a historic ODI whitewash over South??? Africa

Ayub joins the ranks of legends

With his third ODI century, Ayub has now joined the ranks of cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. This achievement is particularly significant considering that he has accomplished this feat in just? nine matches??, boasting an impressive average of 64.37. The list of players who have scored three or more ODI centuries before the age of 23 includes:

• Quinton de Kock (South Africa): 8 centuries in 52 matches
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): 8 centuries in 46 matches
• Sachin Tendulkar (India): 8 centuries in 116 matches
• Virat Kohli (India): 7 centuries in 69 matches
• Babar Azam (Pakistan): 6 centuries in 32 matches
• Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan): 5 centuries in 51 matches
• Saim Ayub (Pakistan): 3 centuries in 9 matches

Ayub’s ability to perform under pressure and maintain consistency is a significant boost for Pakistan as they prepare for major upcoming tournaments, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and an ODI series against New Zealand.

With the Champions Trophy approaching in February and the ODI series against New Zealand slated for March, Ayub has ample opportunities to further enhance his reputation on the global stage. His aggressive battin?g style and knac?k for quick runs make him an invaluable asset to the Pakistan team.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI and PCB finally agre??e to host India-Pakistan games at a neutral venue

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to create waves in the cricketing world as it takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, o??n November 24 and 25. With franchises keen to bolster their squads, the event promises? intense bidding wars, especially for high-demand players.

Wicketkeeper-batters, known for their dual utility, are likely to be the centerpiece of the action, following the trend of hefty price tags in recent years. The retention of stars like Heinrich Klaasen (INR 23 crore), Nicholas Pooran (INR 21 crore), and Sanju Samson (INR 18 crore) underscores th??e value franchises place on versatile keepers.

Robin Uthappa predicts top wicketkeepers at the auction

Former India batter Robin Uthappa, during a discussion on Star Sports, weighed in on the auction buzz, naming which wicketkeepers are going to create a bidding war amongst the franchises. Uthappa identified Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jos Buttler, Quinton de Kock, and Phil Salt as?? the top-five wicketkeepers likely to fetc??h record-breaking bids.

Uthappa specifically highlighted Pant as the frontrunner?? to become the highest-paid player, estimating his price to land between INR 25-28 crore.

“How much? I would say between 25 and 28 crores. I think he (Pant) will get the big bucks. He will be the highest-paid player, in my opinion, in this auction, and I think he should be. I am excited for him and I really want him to be the highest-paid player. I think he will augur the kind of price from a couple of teams for sure,” Uthappa said on Star Sports.

Uthappa also commented ??on Rahul, suggesting franchises like RCB, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans could?? express interest in the former Lucknow Super Giants skipper.

“I think RCB could be a massive contender for KL Rahul. Punjab, I don’t think he will probably go back there. Perhaps someone like Delhi could be interested. Even GT could be interested. I am not quite sure about CSK because you have already got a captain. He has been a leader before, so he will perhaps look forward to a role like that,” added Uthappa.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: ??Rishabh Pant’s record in Te??st cricket on Australian soil

Wicketkeepers expected to be hot property

Wicketkeeper-batters have always been a valuable asset in the IPL, but the 2025 auction could see this trend soar to unprecedented heights. Uthappa’s predictions reflect this sentiment, as he emphasized the potential of big-money bids for players who combine clean glove work with explosive batting abilities.

Aakash Chopra, another prominent cricket analyst, recent?ly predicted that Kishan could fetch between INR 16-18 crore in the auction, though Uthappa expressed surprise at such an estimate, and reckoned If Kishan does go for that much, the franchises are going on potential, not performance.

“I will be very surprised if Ishan goes for 16 to 18 crores. If he does go for that much, they are going on potential. You wouldn’t say they are going on performance and someone will have to really work with him. I really think if Ishan can get his batting together, he deserves that much,” Uthappa added further.

Also READ: ??5 players? Mumbai Indians (MI) can target in the IPL 2025 mega auction

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction just around the corner, the excitement among franchises is building up, especially with a strong pool of high-profile players set to go under the hammer. The IPL’s ever-growing allure means that teams are willing to spend big to secure top talent, and this year, the spotlight is on wicketkeeper-batters.

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Wicketkeeper-batters set to spark bidding wars

Due to the IPL’s restriction on retaining a maximum of six players per franchise, many teams have had to make tough decisions, resulting in several key players, particularly wicketkeeper-batters, being released into the auction pool. Only a handful of franchises have opted to retain their wicketkeepers, meaning the auction will witness fierce competition for some of the best gloveman in the world.

These players offer a rare combination of top-order batting power and reliable keeping skills, making them highly valuable in T20 cricket. With an increase in franchises�?appetite for bal?anced squads and multi-sk??illed players, the bidding war for these wicketkeepers is expected to be intense, with teams aiming to strengthen both their top order and fielding units for the 2025 season.

Top 5 wicketkeepers teams can target in the auction

1. Ishan Kishan

Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Mumbai Indians

Kishan has proven himself to be an exciting talent in the IPL, known for his aggressive opening battership. Over the last three seasons, Kishan has been a consistent contributor for Mumbai, with his ability to accelerate the innings from the start. In 2022, he scored 418 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.2, including three half-centuries. His performance impr?oved in 2023, as he accumulated 454 runs from 15 innings at an average of 30.3, including three fiftie??s.

In 2024, Kishan’s form slightly dipped as he managed 320 runs from 14 matches at a lower average of 22.9. Despite this, his explosive batting in the powerplay and his wicketkeeping abilities make him a valuable commodity in the IPL, especially for teams that are looking for a wicketkeeper-batter who can handle the pressure of the top order. Kishan has a total of 2264 runs from 105 innings in the IPL, with an average of 28.43 and a strike rate of 135.87, demonstrating his overall consistency and ability to impact matches.

2. Jos Buttler

Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Rajasthan Royals

Buttler’s release by Rajasthan Royals (RR) was one of the biggest surprises leading into the IPL 2025 auction. Buttler has been one of the most consistent performers in the IPL over the last few years, known for his explosive batting and match-wi?nning innings. In 2022, he was in sensational form,? scoring 863 runs at an average of 57.5 across 17 matches, which included four fifties and an impressive strike rate of 149.5.

Though his f??orm dipped slightly in 2023, he still managed to score 392 runs at an average of 39.2 in 14 matches, including three half-centuries. Buttler found his groove again in 2024, contributing 359 runs from 11 matches at an average of 32.6, which included two match-winning centuries. Over the last three seasons, Buttler has scored a total of 1614 runs from 42 innings, with an average of 46.6 and a strike rate of 145.6, showcasing his consistency and ability to deliver when it matters the most.

Also READ: IPL 2025 mega auction: Complete list of players with their base price of INR 2 crore, 1.5 crore, 1.2??5 crore and 1 crore

3. Rishabh Pant

Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Delhi Capitals

Pant has been a standout performer for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL, and although he was unavailable for the 20243season due to injury, his past IPL performances make him an attractive prospect in the 2025 auction. Pant has been a consistent run-scorer, scoring over 300 runs in almost every IPL season since his ??debut. In 2024, Pant scored 446 runs in just 13 matches, showcasing his ability to provide stabilit??y and power in the middle order.

Pant’s aggressive batting, combined with his leadership experience, makes him an appealing option for any team looking for an Indian wicketkeeper-batter with leadership potential. His base price of INR 2 crores is likely to spark a bidding war, especially as franchises look to fill their middle-order spots with a reliable player who can also take charge in pressure situations. Pant’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at key moments is invaluable for any IPL franchise.

4. Quinton de Kock

Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Lucknow Super Giants

De Kock is a seasoned campaigner in the IPL, having played 107 matches and scored over 3000 runs. Although his recent performances in the IPL have been somewhat below expectations, de Kock remains a dangerous opening batter with the ability to change the course of a match in a matter of overs. His experience and consistent performances with teams like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) make?? him a valuable option for any team looking to strengthen their top order.

De Kock’s recent IPL performances have shown some variation. In 2022, he was in excellent form, scoring 508 runs at an average of? 36.3 from 15 matches, including four half-centuries. The following year, in 2023, he struggled in a limited number of matches, managing 143 runs at an average of 35.8 from just 4 innings. However, in 2024, he found some rhythm again, contributing 250 runs from 11 matches at an average of 22.7, including three half-centuries. Over the last three seasons, de Kock has scored a total of 901 runs, with an average of 31.1 and a strike rate of 143.2, demonstrating his ability to provide aggressive starts.

5. KL Rahul

Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Lucknow Super Giants

Rahul is one of the most consistent performers in the IPL, and his release by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2025 mega auction has come as a surprise to many. Rahul has been a fixture in the IPL for several seasons, with his ability to anchor the innings and score at a healthy strike rate making ?him a valuable asset to any franchise. He is known for his elegant stroke play, solid technique, and ability to handle pressure situations, making him one of the most sought-after players in the auction.

Rahul’s IPL journey has been impressive. In 2022, he scored 616 runs in 14 matches at an average of 51.33, including four half-centuries and two hundreds with a strike rate of 136.13, leading Lucknow as captain. Even in 2023, Rahul remained consistent before getting ruled out due to injury, amassing 274 runs from 9 matches at an average of 34.25, including two fifties.

In 2024, although he had a slower start to the season, Rahul managed to score 520 runs from 14 matches at an average of 37.14, providing stability at the top of the order for Lucknow. His ability to perform consistently across seasons has made him a key player in the IPL. Rahul’s leadership skills, combined with his solid batting technique, make him a prime target for franchises looking to build around a reliable op??ener.

Rahul has a total of 3479 runs from 132 innings in the IPL over the past three sea??sons, with an average of 45.47 and a strike rate of 134.9, making him one of the most dependable and effective batter in the league.

Also READ: IPL 2025 mega auction: 574 players set?? to go under the h??ammer; Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul among 12 marquee list

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.