Injuries Hit Proteas Ahead of India ODI Decider as Selection Puzzle Looms

The Proteas arrived in India chasing a series comeback, and after Wednesday’s gutsy run chase in Raipur, they finally got it. But as South African fans celebrated the 358 chase that levelled the ODI series, there was one uncomfortable truth hanging over the victory. It came at a cost.

Two key players, Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger, went down injured during one of the side’s most spirited performances of the year, leaving South Africa with a headache ahead of Saturday’s decider in Visakhapatnam.

A Hard-Fought Win Overshadowed By Pain

South Africans watching the match would have felt their stomachs turn when Nandre Burger pulled up midway through his seventh over. The fast bowler, who has been steadily growing into a reliable option in white-ball cricket, hobbled off before completing his spell. Captain Temba Bavuma later admitted that the sight did not inspire confidence.

Later, during the tense final stretch of the chase, Tony de Zorzi was forced to retire hurt on 17. His exit at such a critical moment raised alarm across social media, where fans praised the team’s resolve but worried about the growing injury list.

“Trust the Proteas to give us heart attacks. Amazing chase, but wow we are running out of players,” one fan wrote on X.

Selection Headaches For Bavuma And Conrad

With the series decider only days away, the Proteas have little breathing room as they scramble to assess their options. The team’s seam stocks were already thin. Kagiso Rabada is still recovering from a rib injury and Gerald Coetzee was not picked for this tour.

It leaves the returning Ottneil Baartman as a likely frontline option. Baartman impressed with 2 for 60 in the opening ODI and brings a calm, consistent presence that South Africa desperately needs right now. The wildcard is Anrich Nortje, who is already in India preparing for the T20 leg. He could be drafted into the ODI squad if the medical updates on Burger are unfavorable.

On the batting side, Ryan Rickleton is expected to return to the XI. He was left out on Wednesday but remains one of the squad’s promising top-order talents. This could be his chance to reclaim momentum and help stabilise the innings in de Zorzi’s absence.

A Decider With High Stakes And Higher Pressure

Saturday’s match was always going to be big. Now it feels enormous. South Africa have fought hard to stay alive in the series, and the injuries have added an extra layer of adversity that local fans know all too well. This Proteas team has become accustomed to battling through setbacks, both on and off the field, and supporters are hoping that spirit shines through once again.

Bavuma summed up the mood after the match. “If need be, we do have other guys waiting in the wings,” he said, hinting at possible reshuffles. His calm assurance reflects a team that has grown comfortable in chaos.

As the Proteas head to Visakhapatnam, one thing is certain: the decider is shaping up not just as a clash of cricketing skill but a test of resilience. South Africa has shown it can fight. Now they need to do it again with a patched-up side and plenty on the line.

{Source: SABC Sport}

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