Champions Trophy 2017: Pre-tournament Best XI

Kagiso Rabada – South Africa

Young South African bowler Kagiso Rabada has been one of the leading young pace bowlers in the world. Rabada has constantly bagged wickets with the new ball. In what turned out to a rather disappointing outing for South Africa in the England ODI series, Rabada ended up as the leading wicket-taker in the series with 7 scalps. The 3-match ODI series saw runs coming in huge numbers but Rabada ensured he was successful in doing what he was expected to do.

Coming into the Champions Trophy, the South African team will bank a great deal on Rabada. Senior pacer Dale Steyn is not a part of the squad. Morne Morkel does not look like a certain starter for the playing eleven. The services of Kyle Abbott is unavailable. Thus, Rabada suddenly finds himself in the position of the bowling spearhead of the Proteas lineup.