South Africa have been dealt a major blow ahead of the upcoming five-match T20 International series against India, as in-form top-order batter Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out due to injury.
The T20I series begins on Tuesday, 09 December, but de Zorzi will not take part in any of the matches after scans confirmed a right hamstring injury he suffered during the 2nd ODI in Visakhapatnam.
What happened to De Zorzi?
During South Africa’s run chase in the second ODI, de Zorzi felt sharp pain in his right hamstring while batting and was unable to continue his innings. Initial assessment suggested a strain, but Friday’s scans confirmed a more serious injury.
🚨 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
Will he stay with the squad?
No.
Cricket South Africa has officially announced that:
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De Zorzi will return home immediately.
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He will miss the entire T20I series.
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No replacement has been named, leaving the Proteas to adjust their batting plans without him.
What it means for South Africa
The Proteas are already without key players due to injuries, and de Zorzi’s absence further weakens their top order heading into a challenging T20I tour. Options like Ryan Rickelton or Dewald Brevis may now have to assume a greater role.
The first T20I begins on December 9, with South Africa aiming to reorganise their playing XI after a turbulent ODI series.
