'He needs to use that money on the team' - Tony de Zorzi reacts after Nandre Burger sold to Rajasthan Royals in IPL auction

South Africa batter Tony de Zorzi made a humorous statement towards his fellow teammate Nandre Burger, who got a deal with Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-arm fast bowler was brought by the Sanju Samson-led side for his base price of INR 50 lakh during the IPL 2024 auction held in Dubai on December 19.

De Zorzi stated that Burger needs to give his IPL share to his teammates as they are the reason he achieved a deal in the lucrative league. Further adding to his interesting remarks Zorzi said that the whole team has collectively helped the young quick pacer to get to the level where he is at now.

“He needs to use that money on the team, because we helped him get there. I am also his room-mate on tour, so I am expecting something,” De Zorzi was quoted as saying by India Today.

Burger, De Zorzi powers South Africa level series versus India

South Africa's all-round performance in the second ODI of the three-game series against India helped them to level the series 1-1. In the game contested at St George's Park in Gqeberha, the hosts registered a comfortable eight-wicket win over the KL Rahul-led side.

Winning the toss and bowling first, South Africa restricted India to a below-par 211 in 46.2 overs. Nandre Burger was the pick of bowlers for the Proteas as he got the early wickets of Ruturaj Gaikwad (4) and Tilak Varma (10) and claimed a three-wicket haul, dismissing Rahul who had scored 56 runs off 64 balls with seven boundaries. Apart from Burger, Beuran Hendricks and Keshav Maharaj made two scalps each. Meanwhile, for India, Young opener Sai Sudharsan also excelled with bat, scoring 62 off 83 deliveries. 

Tony de Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks’ (52) 130-run partnership powered South Africa comfortably chased down the target in 42.3 overs. De Zorzi scored an unbeaten 119 off just 122 balls, smashing nine boundaries and six maximums, and went on to win the Player of the Match. Both South Africa and India will now aim to win the third ODI at Boland Park, to clinch the series.