IND vs SA: Injury concerns as Burger, De Zorzi sent for scans ahead of Vizag decider
South Africa’s plans for the final ODI in Visakhapatnam have hit a worrying patch. Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi picked up injuries after the team’s thrilling win in Raipur, and their fitness is now a big concern.
With the series level at 1–1 and both sides fighting for the lead, these injury worries have made South Africa’s preparations a lot more stressful. At the press conference a day before the 3rd ODI, the team manager said that both Burger and de Zorzi had scans on Thursday morning. He explained the situation briefly and said their availability will depend on the medical reports.
“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.
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 worries started when Burger stopped in the middle of his seventh over during the Raipur match. He paused his run-up twice and held his right knee, then walked off the field.
Proteas Await Scan Results Ahead of Crucial Final Match
Aiden Markram had to finish the over for him. Burger is also still feeling some pain in his hamstring, which is concerning because he has had many injuries before, including a back fracture that kept him out for almost a year.
If he can’t play, South Africa’s fast-bowling options will be very limited, especially since Kagiso Rabada is out with a rib issue and Gerald Coetzee is 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.
While attempting to remain on the field, he subsequently had to withdraw from the match shortly after due to an apparent severity of the injury, which could potentially be worse than presumed originally. The results of scans of both player's bodies are still pending, and the ability for South Africa to maintain their balanced team will depend on whether or not any changes need to be made to their lineup prior to Saturday's decisive match against India in Visakhapatnam. Should South Africa have to make any adjustments to their squad, Ottneil Baartman has been identified as a potential replacement for Nandre Burger, as he displays very similar attributes with respect to bowling style and match control as those exhibited by Burger.
The Proteas may use Keshav Maharaj or Tabraiz Shamsi in their starting 11, depending on the weather conditions and field conditions found at the ACA-VDCA Stadium. In this case, Prenelan Subrayen could be another spinner added to their roster. If Tony de Zorzi is unable to participate, Ryan Rickelton will most likely fill in for him. Interestingly, Baartman, Subrayen, and Rickelton are all omitted from the ODI match that took place in Raipur, and whether or not they are selected to play in the Vizag Decider will depend on both fitness assessments and the pitch's requirements.
