The South Africa national cricket team suffered a major blow midway through the crucial second ODI against the India national cricket team as Nandre Berger suddenly collapsed in the middle of the over at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, leaving the spectators shaken.
The drama began when Virat Kohli hit a short ball through covers for a single against Nandre Berger. Moments later, Berger went back to start his run-up again and everything went wrong. Berger lost his run-up twice, and the discomfort was evident on his face.
Big blow to South Africa due to Nandre Berger breaking down in the middle over in Raipur.
Within seconds, Nandre Berger began to wobble on the pitch and looked uncomfortable as he landed on his right foot, and then suddenly grabbed his right knee. The South African physios came on immediately as Berger was clearly in pain. The setback comes at a terrible time for the touring team.
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After a quick check-up, Berger, who had recently returned from a long injury break, eventually walked off the field with the team physio and could not complete his 39th run against India. Later, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma had no option but to call on Aiden Markram to finish the over.
Nandre Berger is injured and is leaving the field. pic.twitter.com/OiBbXpAqnu
– IrShAd (@IrShAd_MU) 3 December 2025
Nandre Berger faces possible hamstring setback
The injury could prove tough for both Nandre Berger and South Africa, as reports suggest the problem could be linked to the bowler’s hamstring or even his lower back – the same area where he suffered the stress fracture that kept him out of action for almost nine months.
Apparently he may have a sore back and if so it is worrying as he has recently returned from a stress fracture in his lower back which kept him out of action for about 9 months.
– Lawrence Bailey (@LawrenceBailey0) 3 December 2025
Berger is undergoing evaluation, but initial assessment suggests the Proteas bowler may suffer an immediate right hamstring injury, reports ESPNcricinfo. The injury will impact South Africa’s plans, with Kagiso Rabada also ruled out with a rib problem.
Notably, before leaving the field, Berger bowled 6.1 overs in the ongoing second ODI against India in Raipur, conceding 43 runs, while dismissing Rohit Sharma for 14 runs. Marcone Johnson was their standout bowler, taking two wickets, which also included the crucial wicket of centurion Ruturaj Gaikwad.
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Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad gave India a huge score of 358/5 in Raipur ODI
Meanwhile, India posted 358/5 on the board after being asked to bat first by South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur. Virat Kohli scored a brilliant 102 runs in 93 balls, while Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 105 runs in 83 balls.
KL Rahul (66*) also scored his second consecutive half-century, while Ravindra Jadeja played an important inning of 24 not out off 27 balls against the Proteas team.
Earlier, Rohit Sharma was out on 14 and Yashasvi Jaiswal on 22 runs, while Washington Sundar was run out on 1 run by Corbin Bosch. Johnson took two wickets for South Africa against India in the ongoing second ODI in Raipur, while Berger and Lungi Ngidi took one wicket each.
The hosts have already won a thrilling match in Ranchi by successfully defending 349 runs, and now they have a great chance to win the ongoing three-match ODI series in Raipur. Chasing 359 runs in Raipur will not be easy at all for the touring team due to dew at night.
