South Africa Pacer Gerald Coetzee Ruled Out of Tri-Series in Pakistan And Champions Trophy 2025

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South Africa believed they had a major boost in the lead up to the Champions Trophy 2025 after Gerald Coetzee recovered from a hamstring injury and returned to the ODI squad for the Tri-Series in Pakistan.

However, that joy lasted only for a while as the pacer suffered another setback just hours after his inclusion in the ODI side. Coetzee pulled up sore following a training session later in the day and was ruled out of a return.

South Africa's white-ball coach Rob Walter had originally named a 12-player squad for the first match of the tri-series, including Coetzee. But a few hours later, Cricket South Africa (CSA) released a statement, confirming the pacer has been ruled out of the Tri-Series and is also out of contention for a call up to the Champions Trophy squad.

"Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan and New Zealand. The 24-year-old experienced tightness in his groin while completing his 10 overs at training on Wednesday morning at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria," South Africa said in a release as quoted by ICC.

"Following further assessment by the Proteas medical team, it was determined that the symptoms posed an increased risk of significant injury at a higher bowling load required for the upcoming 50-over matches. A replacement will be announced in due course. Coetzee will not be considered for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025."

Coetzee was earlier ruled out of the SA20 league due to a left hamstring injury after featuring in just one match for the Joburg Super Kings. The pacer's recent setback also casts doubt on his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), where he is expected to turn up for Gujarat Titans.

Similarly, South Africa had earlier named pacer Anrich Nortje, who recovered from an injury lay-off in the Champions Trophy squad, but the senior fast bowler was ruled out of the tournament days later due to a fresh injury concern.

The Proteas would have hoped Coetzee was the perfect replacement for Nortje, but the latest setback means Temba Bavuma's side will have to look another option in the coming days for both the Tri-Series in Pakistan and the following Champions Trophy.

South Africa has announced only 11 players for the Tri-Series opener against New Zealand on February 10 in Lahore with several names likely to be included either on Thursday (February 6) or Friday (February 7).

The squad is expected to be updated for the remainder of the series following the conclusion of the ongoing SA20 league in South Africa, with players like Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen set to be available from the second game of the series.