In a big setback for South Africa, fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy due to a back injury.
Anrich Nortje Ruled Out of 2025 Champions Trophy Due to Back Injury
Cricket South Africa (CSA) said that Nortje had scans on Monday to check the severity of the injury. He missed the SA20 match for Paarl Royals against MI Cape Town on Wednesday and is expected to be out for a long time.
CSA said the fast bowler is “not expected to recover in time” for the tournament. South Africa’s first match is against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21. CSA hasn’t announced a replacement yet but will do so soon.
Nortje’s Injury History and Its Impact on His Career
South Africa announced its squad for the tournament on Monday. Nortje, who hasn’t played international cricket since June last year, was a key focus.
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Injuries have often come at the worst times for Nortje.
Nortje has been taking a break from red-ball cricket to focus on building his fitness. He suffered a stress fracture in his back in 2023, which kept him out of the 2023 World Cup. He also missed the 2019 World Cup due to a broken thumb.
He was in excellent form during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and Barbados and was also bowling at top speeds in franchise cricket.
According to Cricbuzz, pace all-rounder Gerald Coetzee is the leading candidate to replace Nortje in the squad. Coach Rob Walter had already mentioned both players in the same regard when announcing the squad.
“Gerald Coetzee played very well in the 2023 World Cup, but it was between him and Anrich Nortje. They offer high pace, both of them. Anrich has more experience and attributes that will stand us in good stead in Pakistan. Gerald has done nothing wrong to not be selected,” he had said.
Kolkata Knight Riders Face Uncertainty Over Nortje’s IPL Availability
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who bought Nortje for Rs 6.50 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, don’t have the same options as South Africa. KKR has always preferred having an overseas fast bowler lead their attack like Mitchell Starc did so well last season.
If Nortje’s injury keeps him out of the IPL, which starts in March, the defending champions will be hoping that Australia’s left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson and Umran Malik step up for them in 2025.
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