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The BCCI recently announced the IPL player regulations for period 2025 to 2027. As per the new rules, each of the 10 franchises can retain six players from their existing squad. The retentions can either be done directly or via the Right to Match (RTM) option. Of the six players, a maximum of five can be capped (Indian & overseas), while a maximum of two can be uncapped.
Taking about overseas cricketers, South African players have played crucial roles in the success of their respective franchises over the years in the IPL. Experienced Proteas batter David Miller hammered 481 runs in the 2022 season as Gujarat Titans (GT) won the T20 league during their maiden appearance in the event. Keeper-batter Quinton De Kock has impressed for different franchises.
With the mega auction to be held ahead of the IPL 2025 season, all teams will be forced to release a number of their star players. Here's a look at five South African international players who might be released by their respective franchises.
#1 Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Aiden Markram has been brilliant for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20. However, he has failed to replicate the success while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. Under his captaincy, the Hyderabad franchise finished last in the 2023 season, winning only four matches.
Sacked as captain for the IPL 2024 season, Markram was retained as a player, but failed to make much of an impact. In 11 matches, he scored 220 runs at an average of 24.44 and a strike rate of 124.29, with one half-century. He struggled for his 20 off 23 in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
#2 Anrich Nortje (Delhi Capitals)
Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje had a horror season for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024. Coming back from an injury, he played six matches and picked up seven wickets at an average of 42 and an economy rate of 13.36. His extra pace was easily dealt with as batters had a feast at his expense.
The right-arm pacer made a tremendous comeback in the 2024 T20 World Cup, picking up 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 13.40 and impressive economy rate of 5.74. When in rhythm, Nortje is among the most lethal bowlers in the business. However, it is unlikely that he will be retained by DC for the upcoming IPL season.
#3 Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians)
South African pacer Gerald Coetzee was among the few bright spots for Mumbai Indians (MI) in an otherwise disastrous IPL 2024 campaign, marred by the controversy over Rohit Sharma's sacking as captain. He played 10 matches in the season and picked up a decent haul of 13 wickets at an average of 26.23 and an economy rate of 10.18, with a best 4-34.
Despite his impressive showing, there are high chances of Mumbai Indians releasing the Proteas right-arm pacer ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. They have at least five star Indian players that can be retained - Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan. Since a maximum of five capped players can be retained, MI will have to go for an uncapped retention if they decide to go for the above combination.
#4 Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals)
South African left-arm pacer Nandre Burger played six matches for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024, picking up seven wickets at an average of 20.71 and an economy rate of 8.53. Although he did not pick up a bucketful of wickets, the 29-year-old made a decent impact with the ball.
In all fairness, though, it will be a surprise if RR retain Burger ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Skipper Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, and Yuzvendra Chahal will most probably be their five capped retentions. In the wake of IPL 2025 rule modifications, seasoned pacer Sandeep Sharma can be retained as an uncapped player!
#5 Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are also likely to release South African bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The left-arm pacer played only three matches for SRH in the 2024 season, picking up a solitary scalp at an economy rate of 12.90.
Jansen has the talent without doubt, but his lack of consistency has not allowed him to flourish to the extent that has been expected of him. Skipper Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, and Travis Head are likely to be retained as capped players by SRH. Also, T. Natarajan could get the nod over Jansen as Sunrisers Hyderabad's fifth capped retention.
