Indian Premier League (IPL) side Rajasthan Royals have called up 20-year-old Free State quick Gerald Coetzee as a replacement for England batsman Liam Livingstone.
Young. Quick. Royal. ??
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 1, 2021
Welcome to the #RoyalsFamily, Gerald Coetzee. ?? #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/QRqc9KvTOv
Coetzee is a former SA Under-19 World Cup bowler who has played eight T20 matches in his fledgeling career, and he featured for the Jozi Stars in the 2019 Mzansi Super League (MSL).
The former St Andrews College pupil consistently bowls at speeds northwards of 145km/h and complements his natural pace with swing, making him an attractive option for the Royals despite being wet behind the ears.
Livingstone left India last month just before Britain imposed a travel ban on the country because of record spikes in Covid-19 cases as well as a "double mutant" variant that's developed.
Australian Andrew Tye also departed the tournament because of virus fears, while the Royals also lost Ben Stokes to injury early in the competition.