Tabraiz Shamsi is confident of South Africa’s chances of lifting Champions Trophy 2017

For the Champion Trophy 2017, South Africa have named a surprise package in their squad. They have given the chance to the uncapped spinner Keshav Maharaj to have a go at the 8-team elite tournament, often referred to as ‘mini World Cup’. While this news may bring uncontrolled joy to Maharaj’s household, it fell as hard as a hammer on Tabraiz Shamsi’s head.

The chinaman has played 1 Test and 5 ODIs for the national team and has 2 and 7 wickets respectively. He admitted that he was shocked to learn that he wasn’t considered to be included in the squad for the Champions Trophy. But being a team man he is behind the Proteas to do well in the tournament.

“Naturally, it is quite disappointing not to be selected. It did come as a bit of a shock but whatever’s done is done, I’m fully behind the team and I know they can go out there and win the Champions Trophy. The squad that we have is quite strong and I’m looking forward to watching the boys bring the trophy back home for the people of South Africa,” he was quoted by Sportskeeda

When he was asked about the player he thinks will be the pivot for South Africa, he said, “all of the selected 15. I’m not just saying that for the sake of it, if you look at the names on that list, every single one of those players is a quality player. On any given day we have a lot of match-winners in the South African team and that’s why I’m really positive and looking forward to the Champions Trophy.”

He picked up as many as seven wickets in five matches. All this alongside maintaining an economy rate of under five, not only the spinner himself but the Proteas’ fans were also expecting him to be nailed for the tournament’s squad. But that was not to be as the favour was showered towards Maharaj, who was impressive with the test side.

In defence, Cricket South Africa (CSA)’s convenor of selectors Linda Zondi said, “Keshav has had an exceptional debut season for the Test side and his inclusion in the squad gives us a spinner with a different skills and extra batting depth. We have seen how important it is to bat deep in ODI cricket, this option will give us that cover if needed”.

South Africa’s tour of England will begin in May. The currently number 1 ranked ODI side will play three ODIs before going into the tournament. In the Champions Trophy, they are placed in Group B alongside defending champions India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Only time holds the answer to the question that whether Maharaj’s selection was a good decision or not.

South Africa’s 15 men squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2017-

Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, Abraham Benjamin de Villiers (C), Jean-Paul Duminy, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Keshav Maharaj, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo.