Reports: Gerald Coetzee suffers hamstring injury; doubtful for remaining SA20, Champions Trophy

When the South African team prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, they have a number of injuries in their roster. The Rainbow Nation’s hopes of winning the eight-nation tournament may be hampered by the injuries to many of their starting players.

Anrich Nortje, the South African team’s premier pacer, and Gerald Coetzee, a rising potential, are among the many players listed as injured. Since Nortje’s back ailment officially disqualified him from the forthcoming ICC tournament, Cricket South Africa (CSA) may have been searching for a successor in Gerald Coetzee, a 24-year-old. The teenage T20 World Cup finalist, however, has been dealing with some personal problems while playing for the Johannesburg Super Kings in the SA20.

Gerald Coetzee was also kept out of the starting lineup against the Pretoria Capitals due to a hamstring niggle that he reportedly sustained during the SA20.

After suffering a groin injury during the Test match against Sri Lanka in Durban, Coetzee had already had a lengthy absence from the game. His return to competitive cricket in the franchise event against the Super Giants of Durban was a positive omen for the squad. But Coetzee’s chances of playing in Asia are decreasing due to this hamstring ailment.

South Africa’s injury statistics

For South Africa, the list of injured players has been an issue. The other pace bowling options, besides Coetzee and Nortje, have also sustained severe injuries that will keep them out of the game for some time. Among them are Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, and Ottniel Baartman, who specialise in death bowling.

Lizaad Williams has been dealing with a knee issue, and Burger has been dealing with a stress fracture in his lower back. Despite the return of players like Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder, South Africa’s options are limited due to the lengthy list of injured players.