ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Huge setback for South Africa as David Miller suffers injury

South Africa have been dealt with a huge setback just days before the start of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as middle-order batter David Miller suffered an injury during the ongoing SA20 tournament.

Miller suffered this injury while playing for his team Paarl Royals against Durban's Super Giants. The 35-year-old failed to stop a drive from Marcus Stoinis while fielding at covers during the 14th over of the innings and injured himself in the process.

David Miller was immediately attended by the team physio and was taken out of the field for further check-ups. It is to be noted that he is also the captain of his SA20 team Paarl Royals, which is leading the points table right now.

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David Miller suffers an injury before the Champions Trophy

According to ESPNCricinfo, David Miller was seen going up the stairs to the dressing room quite gingerly. However, he was able to walk off the field himself and didn't require any outside help.

Paarl Royals haven't provided any official update on Miller's fitness yet but it should be expected soon. They will hope their skipper to be fit as the tournament enters its final stage.

David Miller has been in great form with the bat for Paarl Royals this season. The left-hander has scored 183 runs at an average of 91.50 and a strike rate of 134.55 and has played a key role in his team's progress to the next stage.

Lungi Ngidi to make a comeback

Apart from David Miller, Paarl Royals are also sweating on the fitness of the fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who is also a part of South Africa's Champions Trophy squad. The experienced quick missed most of last summer due to a groin injury and has just made a professional comeback.

But Royals head coach Trevor Penney is confident of him returning to high-level cricket and expects him to be available for Paarl Royals' next match against Joburg Super Kings on January 30.

“With Lungi (Ngidi), we know big fast bowlers like him, they sometimes needed a couple of weeks to get back into that full flow and the rhythm. It’s a tough thing for fast bowlers," Penney said.

“He was out (with a groin injury) for like eight weeks. So he’s on a program where he’s almost back now. So we played him in the first few games so he could get some game time. And I’m sure when we go to the Highveld, he’s going to be straight back in," he added.

Injury concerns for South African quicks

South Africa have been suffering major injury concerns lately which has pushed back their preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the tournament after being initially named in the squad due to a back injury.

Gerald Coetzee, who was likely to replace him for the Champions Trophy, suffered a hamstring injury earlier in SA20 to be ruled out of the tournament. Left-arm pacer Nandre Burger is also out of the SA20 and Champions Trophy due to injury.