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South Africa’s only victory in the ICC tournament came in 1998 when the Proteas lifted the coveted Champions Trophy in Dhaka in 1998. In 2024, they came close to clinching the T20 World Cup but lost their nerves eventually. This time, the Proteas will strive to pull off the Champions Trophy to bring an end to their ICC trophy drought which has been going since 1998.
South Africa have a lot of veterans who might be playing their last Champions Trophy edition and their endeavours will be to add scintillating achievement to their profiles with the triumph in the ongoing competition. In this article, SportsTiger discusses five South Africa players who might retire before the Champions Trophy 2029.
5. Keshav Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj is an integral part of South Africa’s ODI side currently. Riding on his left-arm spin bowling, the Proteas have tasted crucial success in white-ball cricket. However, the spin wizard might not stay active in ODIs after four years as he is already 34. Considering his age, it can’t be ruled out that Maharaj might retire from white-ball cricket if his form plummets.
4. Tabraiz Shamsi
Like Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi is also 34 and he might also face the same issue as his colleague Maharaj if he fails to deliver impactful numbers to his side consistently. Besides the age factor, Shamsi will also have to keep himself away from injuries and stay completely fit in the upcoming years.
3. Temba Bavuma
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has looked extraordinary with his bat in the ongoing competition. This tournament might be his last Champions Trophy as he is 34 and one of the most-aged players in the Protea squad. Bavuma will look to extend his career upto 2029 but if he struggles to justify his role in the squad after the World Cup 2027, Cricket South Africa (CSA) might find his alternative to fill his boots.
2. David Miller
David Miller has been active for South Africa for the last 15 years and noting his long stint, Protea cricket team supporters will want him to serve their side for upcoming years. However, the southpaw might bring curtains down to his career after the World Cup 2027 if he struggles with form.
1. Rassie van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen, the oldest player in the Proteas’ Champions Trophy 2025 squad, reinforces South Africa’s top-order with his batting. He will wish to deliver his services to his team for upcoming years but his age and form might emerge as obstructions if he doesn’t perform upto expectations.
