South Africa Names Strong Squad for Champions Cup: ‘We Know the Title Is Close’ – Rob Walter

South Africa Head Coach Rob Walter has revealed a strong 15-member squad for the Champions Cup, set to be hosted in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March. 

The squad will be captained by Temba Bavuma and includes a core group of 10 players who featured in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Squad Composition and Strategy

"First and foremost, 10 of the 15 members were at the 2023 World Cup and we got nine players with 40-plus caps for South Africa in 50-over cricket. It is a nice core group of players to take forward who are experienced and have played in World Cups together."

"They experienced success at the World Cup and obviously the conditions we are expecting to face in Pakistan ultimately sort of decided the balance of the squad."

Can the Proteas Break the Trophy Jinx?

South Africa has been chasing an elusive ICC trophy for three decades. The heartbreak of near-misses has defined their journey, with the most recent disappointment being the loss to India in the 2023 World Cup final.

"I suppose that is the million dollar question. I felt in the 2023 World Cup we played exceptionally good cricket. A host of different guys stood up at different times and got us into the semi-final. Even in that semi-final with our backs against the wall, we fought and we were really brave under pressure."

"I always felt that [semi-final] would have been the catalyst to our first victory and we got narrowly close in that World Cup, as everyone knows. But now most guys know what it is like to play in a semi-final and final. They have tasted our brand of cricket we want to play and push an exceptional cricket side [India] right to the death."

"Hopefully now we can rest on that and continue to play great cricket and that will get us over the line. Sticking to the way we play, trusting our skillsets and each other, and knowing what it feels like to be in the cauldron is the most important take away from the last two major events."

"I know that title is not far away."

2024 Season in Review

The Proteas’ lead-up to the Champions Cup has been challenging, with inconsistent performances and a poor win-loss record. Walter reflected on the season candidly.

"Not very successful. To be honest, not very successful in terms of the win to loss column. We know that and I have answered all the questions at the end of the series'. We fully understand when the Proteas play, there is high expectations for the team to win and we weren't able to do that regularly and consistently."

"But there are many factors and we don't have to get into that now, I suppose the positives would be that the guys have been given opportunities and we have broaden the base there. We started the process and continue to create international opportunities for players."

"We know there is a big step up to the International stage and we want to keep creating those opportunities in between world events. We want to make sure want to expose our talent, especially the young talent to the best opposition. It will only make us better and grow, which ultimately give us options and a healthy environment as we move forward."

"We know the win-loss column hasn't been great, as head coach I accept the responsibility there. Sometimes the process doesn't spit out the results as quick as we hoped it would but we are on the journey and its exciting."

Proteas Squad for Champions Cup 2024

Temba Bavuma (c), 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.