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Anrich Nortje's Potential Replacement Gerald Coetzee Doubtful For Champions Trophy 2025



Coetzee ruled out? [Source: @theFaizFazel/X.Com]
Coetzee ruled out? [Source: @theFaizFazel/X.Com]

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Even before the start of the Champions Trophy, the South African side continue to get hampered by injuries to their pacers. First, it was Anrich Nortje, who suffered a back injury and was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025. Now, his potential replacement, Gerald Coetzee has also suffered an injury blow.

The pacer was marred with a hamstring injury which puts his Champions Trophy participation in doubt. As per ESPNCricinfo, Coetzee is facing some issues while playing in the SA20 for the Joburg Super Kings. Cricket South Africa had him lined up as Anrich Nortje's replacement, but now it seems the pacer is likely to miss the Champions Trophy 2025.

The pacer was carrying a niggle and as a precautionary measure he was rested for the clash against the Pretoria Capitals. He took a break from the game after suffering a groin injury during the Test series Vs Sri Lanka, but the injuries keep on hampering his comeback as the extend of the injury is relatively unknown.

Injuries mount pressure on South African side

Nortje was South Africa's biggest hope in the competition, but with him getting ruled out, the pressure increases on other pacers. Plus, Nandre Burger also had an injury and if Coetzee misses out as well, the Proteas will have very few options in the pace department and the onus will be on Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen to take wickets up front.

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma will kick-start their campaign on February 21 against Afghanistan at the Karachi Stadium. The team will be looking to win their second-ever Champions Trophy, after they won the inaugural season in 1998.