South Africa hit by double injury blow ahead of ODI series decider against India

South Africa faced a double blow ahead of the three-match ODI series decider against India on Saturday, December 6, in Vishakhapatnam. Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi have been ruled out of the ODI series decider due to injuries.

Ahead of the third ODI, the Protea team manager confirmed that Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi had both gone for scans on Thursday morning. He stressed that whether they will be available for the ODI series decider depends on the results of their medical tests.

South Africa face injury crisis in Vizag ODI series decider

The team manager said at the pre-match press conference on December 5, “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.”

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Now, on Saturday, December 6, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that both fast bowler Nandre Burger and batter Tony de Zorzi were ruled out of the third and final ODI against India in Vishakhapatnam. The CSA stated that both players underwent scans which confirmed the extent of their respective injuries.

The CSA stated: “Burger experienced right hamstring discomfort while bowling during the second ODI on Wednesday, and de Zorzi experienced right hamstring area pain while batting and was unable to continue batting during the run chase. De Zorzi has also been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against India, and will return home. No replacement has been named.”

🚨 SQUAD UPDATE 🚨

Proteas Men’s fast bowler Nandre Burger and batter Tony de Zorzi have been ruled out of the third One-Day International (ODI) against India on Saturday due to injury.

Burger experienced right hamstring discomfort while bowling during the second ODI on… pic.twitter.com/zL7wLHReXb

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 6, 2025

Earlier, they had already lost Kagiso Rabada to injury, and now this double blow only dampened their chances to clinch back-to-back series wins on Indian soil.

Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi injuries rock South Africa

South Africa might have won the second ODI by four wickets to level the ongoing three-match ODI series against India in Raipur, but things started going wrong for them during the match itself. Their problems started when Nandre Burger suddenly struggled during his spell.

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The star pacer slowed down, stopped a couple of times, and eventually walked off holding his knee. The team is especially worried because Burger has been carrying hamstring issues for a while, and he has a history of serious injuries, including a long break due to a back problem.

With Kagiso Rabada already missing the ongoing India tour and Gerald Coetzee not part of the squad, losing Burger puts a lot more pressure on their fast-bowling unit.

Tony de Zorzi ruled out of India T20Is

Later in the match, Tony de Zorzi added to their troubles. He hurt himself while trying to push for a second run in the Raipur ODI. Even though the explosive batter completed it, he was clearly in pain and limping heavily. He tried to continue but had to leave the field soon after, which made it clear that the injury wasn’t minor. And, he was also ruled out of the T20I series as well.

It is being said that Ryan Rickelton is expected to come in for de Zorzi for the final ODI against India. Well, Ottneil Baartman is now the most likely option to replace Burger in the Proteas XI for the ODI series decider because his bowling style fits the role.

Depending on the pitch in Visakhapatnam, South Africa might even consider adding another spinner like Prenelan Subrayen to support the seasoned spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi.