South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter has stepped down from the role after serving two years of his four-year tenure citing personal commitments.
Initially, Walter was due to lead South Africa to the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Walter has coached South Africa in 36 ODIs and 31 T20Is where South Africa also secured series wins against Netherlands, Australia, Pakistan and Ireland.
Rob Walter faced over his bilateral record as well as the frequent travel from New Zealand, where he lives.
“Coaching the Proteas has been an incredible honour, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together,” Rob Walter said in a 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,” added Walter.
Under the guidance of Walter, South Africa qualified for the finals for the first time in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the semi finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and last months Champions Trophy.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) wishes to announce the resignation of the Proteas Men’s white-ball head coach, Rob Walter, effective 30 April 2025.
Walter has attributed his resignation to personal reasons, which CSA has accepted.
Walter, who has held the position since March… pic.twitter.com/IFeWGZ2U2T
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) April 1, 2025
However, South Africa lost three out of seven bilateral series including the whitewash against Pakistan.
He was even criticised for the bad results and over his transformation record in particular the selection of a squad with one black African player, Kagiso Rabada at the T20 World Cup.
Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe backed Walter’s selection and commended the work Walter did in bringing in new faces.
During Walter’s period, 14 new ODI caps including Gerald Coetzee, Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton, and 13 T20I caps of which Kwena Maphaka was one, and has helped identify a talent pool for South Africa to work with.
“It is also important to recognise Rob’s commitment to expanding the talent pool across both formats. While in charge, he ensured that emerging players had the opportunity to develop and make their mark at the highest level, which will be critical for the future of the Proteas,” said Nwke.
“We have a busy period of white-ball cricket over the next two years as we build towards the Cricket World Cup on home soil. His successor will continue to work towards that 50-over World Cup campaign, along with next year’s T20 World Cup,” concluded CSA director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe.
