South Africa have suffered a major setback as their pace star Anrich Nortje will miss the 2025 Champions Trophy due to a back injury.

Nortje was initially named in the squad with the idea that he could be fit before the tournament, but his recovery time is now expected to be longer than the selectors had estimated.

With Nortje out of the way, South Africa will now have to find a replacement. The team has not yet announced his replacement, but two names are the favorites: Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka. Both have qualities that set them apart, but which would fit better in South Africa’s campaign?

Gerald Coetzee: the experienced young man

Gerald Coetzee has already established himself as a promising fast bowler in international cricket. With 14 ODIs under his belt and 31 wickets to his name, Coetzee showcased his talent during the 2023 World Cup where he put in excellent performances for South Africa. However, like Nortje, he has faced injury setbacks, including one during the Test series against Sri Lanka last year, and now again in SA20, just as he was set to be picked as a replacement.

Initially being left out of the Champions Trophy squad may have been due to injuries Coetzee had previously suffered, but with Nortje out, Coetzee’s experience and skills make him a good candidate to fill the void if he recovers in time.

Also Read: 5 bowlers who can replace Anrich Nortje in KKR if he is excluded from IPL 2025

Kwena Mapaka: The teenage sensation

If South Africa wants a fresher face, teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka could be their choice. A standout player at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, Maphaka has quickly made an impact in international cricket. He made his ODI debut against Pakistan last month, taking five wickets in two matches, and followed it up with a promising Test debut.

Maphaka is a young pacer with raw pace and can try to challenge batsmen, qualities that made him the country’s young star. With less experience compared to Coetzee, his early performances suggest that when given the opportunity he will be able to progress to the required level.

Who should South Africa choose?

Coetzee is a more experienced and established player at this level, but may be a safer option for South Africa in the Champions Trophy, given what is at stake in the tournament. If South Africa wants to invest in its future, Maphaka is a promising option.

Finally, South Africa should go for the experience option because Coetzee also played the World Cup in India and was South Africa’s leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets in eight matches. It is a bit strange that barring fitness issues, Coetzee has not been named in the starting squad given his ODI performances so far.

Coetzee was recently diagnosed with a hamstring injury at SA20 and could be ruled out for weeks. Proteas limited-overs head coach Rob Walter had said Coetzee was in line to be picked for the Champions Trophy, but Nortje was included because of his experience.

Coetzee was expected to be his replacement after news of the injury emerged, but his own injury could now open the door for the likes of Kwena Maphaka. While South Africa obviously rates the left-arm fast, Walter could also opt for the likes of Corbin Bosch, who impressed on his Test debut, or Ottneil Baartman, who adds deadly bowling skills.

If Coetzee is not fit to make the squad for the Champions Trophy, South Africa should move to left field and bring in someone like Bosch to strengthen the batting depth in case the extra seamer makes it into the XI.

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