South Africa have been forced into a key change ahead of the 3rd ODI against India, with rising left-arm quick Nandre Burger ruled out of the match. The in-form pacer, who has impressed across formats this year, has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury he picked up during the second ODI.
Burger experienced discomfort mid-game in the previous match and did not take the field thereafter. Scans later confirmed a hamstring strain, and with the recovery timeline too short between ODIs, the medical team opted to keep him out of the final match of the series. Hamstring injuries typically require rest and gradual load management, ruling out any possibility of him featuring today.
His absence is a significant setback for South Africa, especially with Kagiso Rabada also unavailable due to a rib injury suffered during training. To make matters worse, Tony de Zorzi remains out with a hamstring issue as well, leaving the Proteas short on both batting and pace options.
South Africa are expected to bring in Ottneil Baartman as Burger’s replacement, strengthening the pace attack alongside Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch.
India, meanwhile, remain unchanged and confident after a strong performance from their top order and spin unit.
With Burger out, South Africa must now regroup quickly and find answers without two of their leading fast bowlers.