South Africa speedster Anrich Nortje has opened up on his absence from the national side for nearly a year.
Nortje last played for South Africa during the 2024 T20 World Cup in June. Since then, he has been picked for South Africa squads but has not played a game. He was initially part of the Champions Trophy squad for South Africa as well, but an injury ruled him out as he was replaced by Corbin Bosch.
Nortje has not been selected for the World Test Championship final in June either.
Nortje: I’ve been available to play for the country
Speaking to Sportsboom, Nortje explained that he has been available for selection all this while and that his absence from the South Africa side is simply down to the selectors not picking him. "I’ve been available for the last year, from before the World Cup to December, and only got selected again in December to play," he said.
"There were a few series I wasn’t picked for, mostly to give opportunities to others. So, from my side, I’ve been available to play for the country, but they haven’t pressed on my button."
Nortje had opted out of a central contract last year
Nortje's first call-up since the 2024 T20 World Cup came in December during the home T20I series against Pakistan. However, he didn't make the playing XI for any of those games. At the T20 World Cup, Nortje had a fantastic campaign, picking up 15 wickets - joint second-highest with Jasprit Bumrah - from nine games at an economy rate of 5.74.
Last year, Nortje had opted out of a central contract with Cricket South Africa but had clarified that he had CSA's backing: "It was my decision. It was just to see how my body goes. I hadn't had a stress fracture since 2010 and I just had a little bit of 'nervy' in the back, so I just wanted to take the time to play when I can, play when I know I'm ready, rather than having to play every series or every whatever is coming up.
"So to make that decision on my own according to my body has been good so far. Still happy with the decision, and it's more just for me to have the calmness and to know that, if I need a break for a week, if I need a break for a month, then I can do that."
Currently, Nortje is playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, where he has featured in just one game so far. In international cricket, Norjte has 70 wickets from 19 Tests at 26.71, 36 wickets from 22 ODIs at 27.27 and 54 wickets from 42 T20Is at 19.16.
