South Africa’s preparations for the decisive Visakhapatnam ODI have taken an uneasy turn, with injuries to Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi emerging as major concerns after their dramatic win in Raipur. With the series tied at 1–1 and both teams eyeing a decisive edge, the uncertainty around two key players has added an unexpected layer to South Africa’s build-up.
Speaking at the press conference a day ahead of the 3rd ODI, the team manager confirmed that both Burger and de Zorzi had undergone scans on Thursday morning, briefly outlining the situation and leaving their availability dependent on medical results.
“Pacer Nandre Burger and batter Tony de Zorzi have gone for scans after limping off during the 2nd ODI in Raipur. Their continued availability will be decided depending on the results,” he said, providing the first official update.
He added that both players experienced enough discomfort during the match to warrant immediate assessment, and the medical team would now determine the next steps based on the findings.
South Africa’s double blow
South Africa’s concerns began when Burger pulled up in the middle of his seventh over of the Raipur ODI, twice halting his run-up before clutching his right knee. He soon walked off the field, leaving Aiden Markram to complete the remaining deliveries. Burger is still dealing with hamstring discomfort, a worrying sign considering his long injury history, including a lower-back stress fracture that sidelined him for nearly a year. His absence would leave South Africa’s pace attack heavily stretched, especially with Kagiso Rabada out due to a rib niggle and Gerald Coetzee not on this tour.
The situation worsened late in the chase when Tony de Zorzi pulled up sharply while completing a second run. Though he reached the crease safely, he was visibly hobbling and required on-field treatment. He attempted to continue but was forced to leave the field moments later, walking off slowly and suggesting a more serious strain than initially assumed.
Who can replace them?
With both players’ scan results pending and team balance hanging in the balance, South Africa now face a nervous wait before finalising their XI for Saturday’s high-pressure decider in Visakhapatnam.
If South Africa are forced to make changes, Ottneil Baartman appears the most direct like-for-like replacement for Nandre Burger, offering similar control and seam movement. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi could also gain support in the XI if conditions at the ACA-VDCA Stadium prompt the Proteas to bring in Prenelan Subrayen as an additional spinner.
In the batting department, Ryan Rickelton is the frontrunner to slot in should Tony de Zorzi be ruled out. Notably, all three — Baartman, Subrayen and Rickelton — were left out of the Raipur ODI, but their inclusion now hinges entirely on fitness updates and pitch demands ahead of the decider in Vizag.
