Ruturaj Gaikwad, the promising opener, won’t be part of the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa due to an ongoing finger injury. Sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed that Gaikwad, 26, sustained the injury during the second ODI against South Africa on December 19. Despite the best efforts of the BCCI Medical Team, his recovery isn’t expected before the Test series. Consequently, Gaikwad has been released by the Indian team management and is set to return to India, aiming for a complete recuperation.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who recently arrived in South Africa for the Test series, had to cut short his stay due to a family emergency. Details about the nature of the emergency remain undisclosed, but BCCI sources indicate that Kohli will rejoin the team in Johannesburg ahead of the first Test, scheduled to commence at Centurion on December 26. Kohli left for Mumbai three days ago, following permissions from both the team management and the BCCI, opting to skip the ongoing three-day practice game in Pretoria. His return to South Africa is anticipated on Friday, December 22.
Despite these absences, the Indian players engaged in the practice game have shown promising form. Notably, Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran capitalized on the opportunity, impressing with their performances. Alongside them, skipper Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur displayed commendable skills, leaving a positive mark in the practice sessions.
Currently, the Indian players are engaged in various matches, but they are set to regroup in Johannesburg following the conclusion of the ODI series and the ongoing three-day game in Pretoria. Subsequently, they will travel to Centurion for the commencement of the Test series on Boxing Day, scheduled to conclude on December 30. Post that, the team will move to Cape Town for the second and final Test starting on January 3.
