Posted by Siseko Tapile
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Cricket South Africa dropped a heavyweight announcement on Tuesday, revealing three different captains for the upcoming multi‑format series in Pakistan. The move comes after regular Test skipper Temba Bavuma suffered a calf strain that rules him out of the October‑November 2025 fixtures.
Veteran all‑rounder South Africa cricket tour Pakistan will now be led in the Test arena by Aiden Markram, who has already been wearing the T20I captain’s hat. Markram’s resume includes 16 ODIs as stand‑in captain, eight wins from those outings, and a stint guiding the side at the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy when Bavuma was unavailable.
The ODI captaincy, however, has raised eyebrows. The 26‑year‑old Matthew Breetzke, only six matches into his international career, has been handed the role. Breetzke burst onto the scene with a debut in February 2025 and has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to his aggressive top‑order batting and calm demeanor under pressure. With Markram rested for the white‑ball leg, CSA decided to look inward for a fresh voice, and Breetzke fit the bill.
David Miller, the seasoned power‑hitter, will captain the T20I side. Miller’s experience in the shortest format, including two World Cup finals, is expected to give South Africa the edge in what promises to be a tightly contested three‑match series.
Adding another layer of intrigue, CSA announced that 32‑year‑old wicketkeeper‑batsman Quinton de Kock is back in the ODI picture after reversing his retirement that was announced post‑2023 World Cup. De Kock’s last appearance for the Proteas came in the T20 World Cup final against India in June 2024, where South Africa fell short. Head coach Shukri Conrad described the comeback as a “major boost”, emphasizing the veteran’s skill set and leadership potential as South Africa gears up for the 2027 Cricket World Cup on home soil.
The tour’s squad list blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. The Test line‑up features pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, the towering left‑arm fast bowler Marco Jansen, and spin wizard Keshav Maharaj, each expected to exploit Pakistan’s varied pitches in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
In the white‑ball contingents, the pace department is bolstered by the likes of Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, and dynamic all‑rounder George Linde. Their inclusion signals CSA’s intent to challenge Pakistan’s batting depth, especially on decks that traditionally favour seamers.
De Kock’s return could reshape the batting order. Known for his aggressive starts and reliable middle‑order finish, the wicketkeeper‑batsman adds a layer of flexibility that the Proteas have missed since his Test retirement in 2021. His experience in high‑pressure chases is likely to be a key factor in tight ODI fixtures, while his presence behind the stumps provides added confidence for the bowlers.
The schedule itself is packed. Two Tests kick off on October 12 in Lahore, followed by a stop‑over T20I against Namibia in Windhoek on October 11, captained by rising star Donovan Ferreira. The tour then moves to a three‑match ODI series, and finally three T20Is, all slated for November. The Test series feeds into the 2025‑2027 ICC World Test Championship, meaning points are on the line as well as pride.Fans can also expect a few surprise selections. CSA’s decision to rest Markram for the white‑ball leg opened doors for younger players to showcase their mettle, while Breetzke’s rapid ascension suggests a future where leadership is earned on performance rather than seniority.
With the Proteas juggling injuries, retirements, and a heavy travel schedule, the multi‑captain approach may be a strategic hedge. It allows CSA to manage player workloads, give emerging leaders a taste of responsibility, and keep the team adaptable across formats.
All eyes will be on how the Proteas perform in Pakistani conditions—traditionally spin‑friendly and known for passionate crowds. Whether Markram can command the Test side, Breetzke can steady the ODI ship, and Miller can unleash fireworks in T20s will shape the narrative of South Africa’s overseas campaign for months to come.