Rob Walter resigns as South Africa white-ball coach, expected to take up role at NZC

South Africa's white-ball coach, Rob Walter, has resigned from his position. As per ESPNcricinfo, he is looking forward to working with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in the future. He was with South Africa from 2023 and helped them qualify for the finals in T20 World Cup 2024 and the semi-finals in the Champions Trophy 2025. Walter's contract was until the ODI World Cup 2027 in Africa, however, it has come to an abrupt end.

One of the major reasons behind the resignation is that the coach is settled in New Zealand and has had to travel to South Africa constantly as the job role demanded. When he was appointed, it was decided that he would move to the country as a part of his job, but that didn't happen. His family is based in New Zealand, and that is why he didn't consider moving to South Africa.

Also, he was accused of spreading racism in the South African team multiple times, with just one black player included in the T20 World Cup 2024 team. Considering all these points, he stepped down from the important position, leaving the Proteas side without a coach at the moment, as the Rainbow Nation is yet to announce a replacement for the departing Walter.

Walter started his coaching career with the South African domestic side, the Titans, based out of Centurion. From there, he became South Africa's strength and conditioning and fielding coach between 2009 and 2013. However, he is in talks with the NZ board regarding an offer to be their coach.

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Just like split captaincy, NZC are looking forward to having split coaching roles in the future. New Zealand's coach, Gary Stead, will have his contract ended in June this year. Hence, Walter's selection will depend on whether the BlackCaps goes for split coaching and whether Stead renews his contract. Reports suggest that South Africa might appoint Shukri Conrad, the red-ball coach, as the white-ball coach as well.