Strong speed, smooth action, the ball swinging north of 140 km / h, a strong celebration after the dismissal, and the nerves seem to hit the neck and forehead during the victory. Whose image comes to mind? Dale Steyn, epitome of fast bowling technique. Now, switch to the six-foot-three body, athletic build, and iconic outfit that earned him the nickname ‘Karate Kid’. You have entered the realm of cricket fans – South Africa’s very own Gerald Coetzee.
With a starting price of Rs 2 crore ($ 240,000 approximately), Coetzee is ready to attract a lot of attention at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction, scheduled for the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 19. The 23-year-old is looking forward to the excitement, jokingly revealing plans his to avoid emotional stress by avoiding watching commercials aired on television.
“IPL sales are always exciting. For every cricketer, everyone in the business, everyone is waiting for what’s going on. I don’t think I’ll be watching. I might be on the road or in the bush for a day. I don’t know where I might be, but I’m not going to put myself through it. Wait patiently and see what happens, if I get messages or calls. But I don’t think I will be watching (laughs),” Coetzee said in an interview with RevSportz.
Beginning his journey in age group cricket, Coetzee showed remarkable form from an early age, joining the South African U-19 team at the age of 16. He has taken eight wickets in four matches, including a fifer against New Zealand. Coetzee made his List-A and T20 debut in the Free State later that year. Skipping the second-tier system, he played first-team cricket for the Knights in 2019. In 2020, he represented South Africa in the second U-19 World Cup and, despite playing only eight T20 matches, was selected by Rajasthan. Royals instead of Liam Livingstone IPL 2021.
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Reflecting on his cricketing background, Coetzee recalled, “I grew up playing all kinds of sports in South Africa. Me and my brother used to play competitive sports. Back then, we played rugby, tennis, cricket. We also swam. We enjoyed being on the field and competing. Cricket was a game we were a little bit better at, and we just loved it.”
Gerald Showed his ability with kicking the ball, standing and the ability to clear the ropes. Coetzee stole the show for South Africa in the just-concluded ODI World Cup in India, where he finished fifth in the game for wicket-takers, with 20 victims in just eight matches. His ability to take wickets between the overs was evident. He finished with 17 wickets in just nine matches for the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, while taking nine of the five for the Texas Super Kings in the MLC.
“Being 23 years old and playing in other sports and playing for my country, also at the World Cup, it’s a great privilege and an opportunity. I don’t take things like that for granted. At the beginning of my career, for the first two or three years, I suffered from injuries. To be able to play for my country and the rest of the world is something I don’t take for granted. I love my country, and this is just part of the passion and attitude,” Coetzee laughed.
As the IPL season approaches, Chennai Super Kings fans remain hopeful, on social media, that the South African pacer will join them. However, Coetzee remains open to the unexpected, admitting the possibility of playing for any team.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing under Flem (Stephen Fleming) and Eric (Eric Simmons) and the Super Kings family is very special. It’s a strong and amazing franchise, who gave me a shot in SA20 and MLC. But I also understand the kind of business you can play for any team, and you should feel free to do so. If I end up playing under MS Dhoni, it would be a great opportunity for me to learn and meet one of the greatest captains of all time. However, as I said, anything can happen. I believe, I have been given the opportunity to play in the IPL wherever I am. it could be,” said Coetzee.
In contrast to his aggressive personality on the pitch, Coetzee jokingly explained, “Off the pitch, I don’t think I’m the same as I am on the pitch. I am very relaxed, I like to be alone. I like to go fishing and all that stuff. So off the field, there’s no yelling or screaming (laughs).”
In an age dominated by social media, Coetzee has gained a large following. Appreciating the support, he said: “I am very grateful to all the fans. Just drive the wheels. It’s very interesting. It’s a wonderful thing to see so much love. I have had the opportunity to play in front of you all. I want to continue doing this as much as possible. When you guys feel high, we feel high. When you’re upset, we’re upset. Thank you for all your support,” Coetzee concluded.
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