Key South Africa pacer ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025 

by Sahil Jain
South Africa pacers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada

South Africa have been handed a big blow in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025. Key fast bowler Anrich Nortje has suffered a back injury which means that he has been ruled out of the tournament.  

The 31-year-old speedster has been an integral part of the white-ball setup for the Proteas over the last few years. His last international game was the final of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in June last year. He has not played an ODI since September 2023 and his last Test appearance was back in March 2023. 

Nortje was expected to make a comeback in the white-ball series against Pakistan at home in December. However, he suffered a toe fracture which ruled him out of the series and he hasn’t been in action since. He has not even played for Pretoria Capitals in the ongoing SA20 2025 so far. Prior to that, he featured in the domestic T20 competition in South Africa (CSA T20 Challenge) and also took part in the Abu Dhabi T10. 

The Champions Trophy 2025 is the third 50-over ICC tournament that Nortje will miss. He fractured his thumb ahead of the 2019 World Cup in England. Ahead of the 2023 World Cup, he suffered a lower back stress fracture which kept him out of action till May 2024. 

He’s [Anrich Nortje] an ultimate professional. He looks after himself, takes care of his conditioning. From my side, I trust him and trust that he’ll be ready to go,” Rob Walter had said after the squad announcement on Monday (January 14).  

However, only a couple of days after getting the vote of confidence from the white-ball head coach, Nortje was ruled out. He underwent back scans and Cricket South Africa confirmed that, Nortje “is not expected to recover in time for the 50-over tournament.” 

Gerald Coetzee likely to replace Nortje 

Gerald Coetzee
South Africa are likely to name Gerald Coetzee as Nortje’s replacement.

South Africa have not officially named a replacement for Nortje yet. However, Gerald Coetzee is likely to replace the 31-year-old. Coetzee has played 14 ODIs so far and has picked up 31 wickets, 20 of which came in the 2023 World Cup.  

The 24-year-old fast bowler missed out on the Test series against Pakistan due to a groin injury he sustained during the Sri Lanka Tests. He recently made a comeback to competitive cricket after a month and a half and played his first game of the SA20 2025 season. Playing for Joburg Super Kings, Coetzee took 2/32 from three overs and hit two sixes with the bat against Durban Super Giants.

South Africa are placed in Group B in the Champions Trophy 2025 alongside Afghanistan, Australia and England. Their opening game of the tournament is on the 21st of February in Karachi.

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