In a setback for the Indian cricket team, promising opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The 26-year-old, who had showcased his talent in the shorter formats, has not fully recovered from a finger injury sustained during the second ODI against South Africa on December 19.
This news comes as a disappointment for both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Indian cricket enthusiasts who were eager to see his Test debut.
Sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed to Cricbuzz that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been released by the Indian team management in South Africa. Despite efforts from the BCCI Medical Team, it has been determined that there is no chance of his recovery before the commencement of the Test series.
The decision to release Ruturaj Gaikwad was made after consulting with the BCCI, and he is expected to return to India by Saturday.
Ruturaj Gaikwad out; Virat Kohli returns to India
While Ruturaj Gaikwad absence is unfortunate, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli also faced a disruption as he had to return to India due to a family emergency. However, Virat Kohli is expected to rejoin the team in Johannesburg in time for the first Test, which is set to begin at Centurion on December 26.
In the ongoing three-day intra-squad game in Pretoria, most Indian players have had commendable performances. Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran capitalized on the opportunity, while captain Rohit Sharma, pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur displayed impressive form.
With the ODI series concluding on Thursday and the practice game finishing on Friday, the Indian contingent will regroup in Johannesburg before heading to Centurion for the Boxing Day Test.
After the conclusion of the first Test on December 30, the team will move to Cape Town, where the second and final Test is scheduled to begin on January 3. Despite these setbacks, the Indian team aims to showcase resilience and put up a formidable performance in the Test series against South Africa.
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