Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn praised Gerald Coetzee for his brilliant all-round performance in the second T20I against India, which led to the Proteas securing a dramatic 3-wicket victory in Gqeberha on November 10. Coetzee’s contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in South Africa’s comeback, leveling the four-match series 1-1. Steyn noted that Coetzee’s impressive pace and powerful hitting make him a likely candidate for IPL attention. Coetzee claimed figures of 1/25 from four overs and remained unbeaten on 19 off just 9 balls.
“Coetzee bowling fast, hitting huge sixes—if there’s anything to take from this series, he’s getting some IPL attention,” Steyn tweeted on X. With the IPL 2025 mega auction just two weeks away, Coetzee’s performances have come at a perfect time, positioning him for a lucrative deal in Jeddah. Notably, Coetzee was not retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the auction.
Coetzee’s All-Round Show
South Africa were in deep trouble at 86/7 while chasing 125 against India in the second T20I, but Coetzee, alongside Tristan Stubbs, added an unbroken 42-run partnership from just 20 balls, leading their team to victory with an over to spare. In the first T20I, Coetzee had impressed with the ball, picking up 3/37 despite India posting a total of over 200. His quick-fire 23 off 11 balls also showcased his batting ability, making vital contributions in both matches.
Despite India’s impressive 11-match winning streak in T20s, and Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul in the second T20I, the Proteas held their nerve and clinched a low-scoring thriller. With South Africa struggling at 86/7, Stubbs and Coetzee kept their composure to guide the side to victory. Earlier, the South African bowlers had done an excellent job to limit India to a modest total.
