South African star speedster Gerald Coetzee, who was named in the Proteas squad for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan, has been ruled out with a groin issue and he will not be considered for the selection for the Champions Trophy 2025. Coetzee recently recovered from a left hamstring strain that forced him to miss the majority of the SA20 league; he was featured in just one game for Joburg Super Kings. He had also missed the second Test against Sri Lanka and the subsequent series against Pakistan due to a groin injury.
According to a CSA release, Coetzee "experienced tightness in his groin while completing his 10 overs at training on Wednesday morning at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria". The medical team, which further assessed Coetzee, determined that a higher bowling load in the 50-over matches would pose an increased risk of significant injury.
The 24-year-old speedster was set to replace the injured Anrich Nortje for the Champions Trophy which is scheduled to start from February 19. South Africa are expected to name a replacement for Coetzee shortly. Coetzee was South Africa's highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cup 2023 in India. He picked up 20 wickets in eight matches.
Before the Champions Trophy, South Africa will play a tri-nation series featuring Pakistan and New Zealand from February 8. South Africa has already announced their 12-member squad for their first game of the tri-series against New Zealand which will take place on February 10.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to start from February 19 and South Africa will start its campaign against Afghanistan on February 21 at National Stadium in Karachi.