Cricbuzz reports cite Virat Kohli’s departure from South Africa due to a family emergency, while Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exclusion from the Test series against South Africa is due to an ongoing finger injury.
Reports from Cricbuzz reveal that Ruturaj Gaikwad won’t feature in the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa due to an ongoing finger injury. Simultaneously, Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s departure from the ongoing intra-squad game in Pretoria has stirred concerns due to a family emergency. While the exact nature of the emergency remains undisclosed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Kohli’s return before the series opener at Centurion on December 26.
Kohli left for Mumbai a few days ago, permitted by both the team management and BCCI to skip the practice game. Assurances are in place for his arrival back in Johannesburg by Friday, ensuring his availability for the commencement of the Test series.
Gaikwad sustained a finger injury during the second ODI against the hosts on December 19. Despite medical attention, he hasn’t recovered, compelling the Indian team to release him before the Tests. In a practice match, Sarfaraz Khan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur performed well.
The Indian players, involved in various matches, are now regrouping in Johannesburg after the ODIs and the practice game. They will head to Centurion for the first Test starting on December 26, followed by the final Test in Cape Town from January 3 after the Boxing Day Test. Gaikwad will return to India, while the rest of the squad gears up for the Test series against South Africa.
Last Updated on December 22, 2023
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