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'I'm A Competitor:' - Coetzee Ready To Challenge Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma In Boxing Day Test

image-lqjge4mbGerald Coetzee (left) and Virat & Rohit (X.com)

South African pace bowling sensation Gerald Coetzee is in the midst of an outstanding run in recent times. The 23-year-old was unstoppable in the recently concluded World Cup edition where he delivered some magnificent bowling performances to tear numerous formidable batting lineups apart. In addition, the ferocious speedster was recently acquired by Mumbai Indians (MI) for a galloping INR 5 crore ($601,160).

Ahead of the historic Test series between the two powerful cricketing giants, Coetzee has confessed that he is excited about the prospect of facing off against the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The Bloemfontein-based pacer recognized that the upcoming Test series will be one of the toughest chapters in his international cricketing career and is eagerly looking forward to taking on the challenge that lies ahead of him.

“The Test series against India will be my toughest challenge in the longest format. I want to test myself against the best. Virat Kohli and Rohit are big players. I am a competitor and want to be tested at the highest level. But for them, I don’t think it will be anything new. They are class batters. I will be a great learning experience for me.” Coetzee told RevSportz.

Furthermore, Coetzee also revealed that he idolised Dale Steyn while growing up and admits that he has played a crucial role in helping him navigate through the challenges in the red-ball format.

“My cricketing hero was Dale Steyn. I met him when I was going through a rough patch in red-ball cricket. He was very helpful and we had coffee together. I share a good relationship with him and hopefully, I play under him in the future,” he added.

Coetzee strives to give it his all and vows that the forthcoming Test series will not be a one-sided affair. So far in his one-year-long international career, Coetzee has had quite an impact in the longest format of the game. With just two Test matches under his belt, Coetzee averages just a shade below 16 and has nine wickets to his name, which includes his best bowling figures of 6/78 against the West Indies.