Written By: Alex Maathai

South Africa plays all three different formats of cricket. Over the years, South Africa has been one of the greatest teams. During this time of change, the team is combining young, up-and-coming players, such as Gerald Coetzee and Dewald Brevis, with seasoned players like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada. 

De Kock’s decision to reverse his ODI retirement is one recent move that has improved the team’s prospects for future trips and ICC competitions. Temba Bavuma is the captain of the ODI and the Test side, while Aiden Markram is the captain of the T20I side. Markram takes over as captain in Test cricket in case Bavuma is unavailable.

In addition to established players like David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada, the rise of up-and-coming talent like Dewald Brevis, Gerald Coetzee, and Kwena Maphaka portends a promising future. With their home-grown 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup and their continued commitments to the World Test Championship, South Africa’s combination of youth and experience makes them a strong team seeking stability and victory.

Test Squad Core Players

The core of South Africa’s Test team consists of seasoned batters and adaptable all-rounders. 

Test Squad Core Players
Source: Crictoday

Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada support key players Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and David Bedingham. Keshav Maharaj and other spin alternatives offer balance, creating a strong, well-rounded team for both domestic and international tests.

  • Batters: Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham.
  • All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder
  • Wicketkeeper: Kyle Verreynne.
  • Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Prenelan Subrayen.

ODI Squad Core Players

Aggressive batters and attacking bowlers are key members of South Africa’s ODI team. Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, and Aiden Markram are key performers, with all-rounders David Miller and Dwaine Pretorius providing assistance. 

ODI Squad Core Players
(Source: CNBC TV18)

Keshav Maharaj ensures balance by bolstering spin options as pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi spearhead the attack.

  • Batters: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs.
  • All-rounders: Marco Jansen, George Linde.
  • Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock
  • Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Bjorn Fortuin.

T20I Squad Core Players

The South African T20I team blends potent batting with adaptable bowling. Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram, and Reeza Hendricks are important players, and David Miller and Tristan Stubbs are powerful hitters. 

T20I Squad Core Players
Source: NDTV Sports

The team is energetic and competitive under all circumstances because of the diversity offered by fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, as well as spinner Keshav Maharaj.

  •  Batters: David Miller, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Reeza Hendricks
  • All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin.
  • Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, 
  • Bowlers: Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj.

Emerging Players

The upcoming generation of talent in all formats is represented by South Africa’s up-and-coming players, who combine youth, skill, and promise. Rising batters with aggressive stroke play and versatility, such as Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis, are drawing notice. 

While spinners like Prenelan Subrayen provide variation, promising bowlers like Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen provide speed, bounce, and consistency. These up-and-coming players are anticipated to develop into key members of the national squad with the right support and exposure, influencing South Africa’s cricketing future.

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Conclusion: Complete South African Squad in all Three Formats

The South African cricket squad of 2025 is a dynamic and well-balanced group that combines seasoned players with up-and-coming talent. Both batting and wicketkeeping are strengthened by Quinton de Kock’s comeback, and Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and David Miller serve as mentors. 

Young athletes with potential for the future include Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, and Dewald Brevis. The Proteas have depth in batting, spin, and quick bowling, making them ready for their next trips and ICC competitions. Due to its youthfulness, talent, and experience, South Africa is positioned as a competitive squad on the international stage.

About the Author

Alex Maathai is a Cape Town-based cricket analyst and former club-level player. With deep knowledge of domestic structures and Proteas history, he provides context-rich insights that connect today’s matches to South Africa’s cricket legacy.

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