South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje believes the last two months have been the perfect preparation for a full international comeback, as he hopes to be named in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad, set to be announced next week. After a long battle with injuries, Nortje’s recent performances suggest he is finally back to his best.
Nortje’s SA20 Comeback Signals Return to Peak Form
Nortje made an emphatic start to his SA20 campaign with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, ripping through Paarl Royals with stunning figures of 4 for 13. Paarl were bowled out for just 49, the lowest total in SA20 history, and Nortje recorded his best T20 figures since last year’s World Cup.
This marks his first appearance in the SA20 since the inaugural season. Stress reactions in his back ruled him out of the second and third editions, and injuries have limited him to just two international matches in the past 18 months. Despite no longer holding a central contract with Cricket South Africa—by his own decision—Nortje remains fully available for national selection.
Speaking after the match in Paarl, Nortje described his recent journey as an “ideal build-up,” highlighting his progression from the CSA T20 Challenge to the India T20I series and now into the SA20. He emphasized focusing on momentum, clarity, and execution rather than looking too far ahead, while remaining hopeful of World Cup selection.
Managing Workloads, Injuries, and Future International Goals
The demanding SA20 schedule could test Nortje’s fitness, with the possibility of playing up to 13 matches in a month if Sunrisers Eastern Cape reach the playoffs. Given his injury history—including setbacks that ruled him out of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy—there is understandable concern around workload management. However, Nortje remains confident, stressing the importance of trusting his body and the preparation work behind the scenes.
His recent form backs up that confidence. After finishing as the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker in the CSA T20 Challenge, Nortje featured in two T20Is against India. While he went wicketless, his pace and discipline steadily improved. His standout performance in Paarl showcased his full skill set, with sharp short balls and a perfectly pitched delivery that underlined his rhythm and control.
Looking ahead, Nortje has not ruled out a return to longer formats. He last played an ODI over two years ago and a Test in February 2023, but with a busy home Test schedule next season and the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, he remains keen to be part of future plans. A red-ball comeback is still on the table, though he acknowledges it will require a careful, phased build-up.
For now, Nortje’s focus remains firmly on T20 cricket, with the SA20, T20 World Cup, and the IPL ahead. Recently signed by Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026, he has plenty of opportunities to showcase his fitness and form. If his current momentum continues, Anrich Nortje’s long-awaited return to the international stage may be closer than ever.
