A thunderous run-up, a smooth action, the ball swaying north of 140 kmph, a fervent celebration post-dismissal, and veins visibly pulsating in the neck and forehead during the triumphant moment. Whose image comes to mind? Dale Steyn, the epitome of fast bowling mastery. Now, switch to this towering six-foot-three, athletically sculpted physique, with a distinctive headband earning him the nickname ‘Karate Kid’. You’ve entered the domain of cricket’s latest sensation — South Africa’s very own Gerald Coetzee.
With a base price of Rs 2 crore ($ 240,000 approx), Coetzee is poised to attract a lot of interest in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction, slated for the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 19. While the 23-year-old anticipates the excitement, he humorously reveals his plan to steer clear of the emotional roller-coaster by avoiding watching the auction unfold on television.
“IPL auction is always very exciting. For every cricketer, whoever is there in the auction, everyone is always anticipating what’s going on. I don’t think I will be watching. I might be on the road or in the bush for a day. I am not quite sure where I would be, but I am not going to put myself through that. Wait patiently and see what happens, if I get any messages or calls. But I don’t think I will be watching (laughs),” Coetzee said in an exclusive interview with RevSportz.
Beginning his journey in age-group cricket, Coetzee showcased remarkable pace from an early age, earning a spot in South Africa’s U-19 team at just 16. He played a key role in their 2018 U-19 World Cup campaign, where he picked up eight wickets from four games, including a fifer against New Zealand. Coetzee made his List-A and T20 debut for Free State later that year. Skipping the second-tier provincial system, he debuted in first-class cricket for the Knights in 2019. In 2020, he represented South Africa in his second U-19 World Cup and, despite featuring in just eight T20 games, was selected by Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Liam Livingstone IPL 2021.
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Reflecting on his cricketing roots, Coetzee recalled, “I grew up playing all sorts of South African sports. My brother and I enjoyed playing competitive sports. In the backyard, we would play rugby, tennis, cricket. We would also swim. We enjoyed being on the field and being competitive. Cricket was one sport we were a bit better at, and we just really fell in love with it.”
Gerald He showcased his potential with both bat and ball, standing out with an ability to clear the ropes. Coetzee stole the show for South Africa in the recently concluded ODI World Cup in India, where he finished fifth in the wicket-taking charts, with 20 victims in just eight games. His ability to pick up wickets in the middle-overs stood out. He finished with 17 wickets in just nine games for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, while taking nine in five for Texas Super Kings in MLC.
“Being 23 and having played at some of the leagues and playing for my country, that too at a World Cup, is a massive honour and privilege. I don’t take such things for granted. At the start of my career, for the first two-three years, I struggled with injuries. To be able to play for my country and all across the world is something I don’t take lightly. I love my country, and that’s just part of the passion and emotion,” Coetzee quipped.
As the IPL auction looms, Chennai Super Kings fans remain hopeful, on social media, that the South African speedster will join their ranks. However, Coetzee remains open to the unpredictable nature of the event, acknowledging the possibility of playing for any team.
“I have really enjoyed playing under Flem (Stephen Fleming) and Eric (Eric Simmons) and the Super Kings family is really special. They are such a powerful and awesome franchise, who gave me a shot in the SA20 as well as MLC. But I also understand the nature of the auction that you can end up playing for any team, and you have to be open to that. If I end up playing under MS Dhoni, then it would be a massive opportunity for me to learn and to experience one of the greatest captains of all time. However, as I mentioned, anything can happen. Hopefully, I’m granted the opportunity to play in the IPL wherever it may be,” Coetzee said.
Contrary to his fiery on-field persona, Coetzee humorously clarified, “Off-the-field, I don’t think I am the same as I am on the field. I am much more relaxed, I like to be by myself. I like to go fishing and all that stuff. So off the field, there’s no screaming and shouting (laughs).”
In an age dominated by social media, Coetzee has garnered a substantial fan following. Grateful for the support, he conveyed, “To all the fans, I am so grateful. Just keep the wheels rolling. It is so much fun. It is an awesome experience to see so much love. I have been privileged to play in front of you all. I want to keep doing that to the best of my ability. When you guys feel the high, we feel the high. When you are disappointed, we are disappointed. Thanks for all the support,” Coetzee concluded.
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