South Africa received a massive setback on Tuesday, April 01, as their white-ball coach, Rob Walter, stepped down from the role with immediate effect. Walter, who entered the history books for taking the Proteas to their first-ever final of the ICC event, has resigned from the role due to "personal reasons." The 49-year-old's decision has been accepted by Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Walter had been appointed to the role in March 2023, and in the same year, he took South Africa to the World Cup semis, where they closely lost the match to old nemesis Australia. It is to be noted that during Walter's tenure, the Proteas managed to reach the knockout stages of the ICC event three times - the 2023 World Cup, the T20 World Cup 2024, & the Champions Trophy 2025 event.
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The Aiden Markram-led side had a terrific campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and USA, as it went on to win eight games on the bounce. South Africa also came within touching distance of lifting their maiden ICC World title. However, Suryakumar Yadav's game-changing catch denied South Africa a fairy tale ending.
In his time as the white-ball coach, Walter oversaw the national side in 36 ODIs and 31 T20Is, with memorable series wins against Australia, Pakistan, Ireland, and the Netherlands. His final assignment was the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he led South Africa to another semis appearance, this time against New Zealand at Lahore in March.
Rob Walter immensely proud of what he has achieved as South Africa's white-ball coach
Walter is incredibly proud of South Africa's white-ball sides and what they have achieved as a team in the last two years.
“Coaching the Proteas has been an incredible honor, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together,” said Walter in a CSA release.
“The players, support staff, and the South African cricketing community have been fantastic throughout this journey. While it’s time for me to step away, I have no doubt that the team will continue to grow and reach even greater heights.” A successor will be announced in due course, said the CSA.
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CSA is currently on the lookout for Walter's successor in the white-ball formats. Shukri Conrad is their current coach for the Test team.
