The first Test between India and South Africa will begin in Cape Town on January 5, 2018.
Shikhar Dhawan has been declared fit from a bruised ankle, which had put questions mark over his availability for the first Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
This means that Dhawan will be fit to play in the first Test and might replace KL Rahul in the playing XI. However, things don’t look so good for Dhawan’s teammate Ravindra Jadeja, who was taken to the hospital due to viral illness.
NEWS: #TeamIndia opener Shikhar Dhawan fit and available for selection for the 1st Test against South Africa. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja down with viral illness #FreedomSeries #SAvIND.
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 3, 2018
More details here - https://t.co/qRPm7k1JK0 pic.twitter.com/YSGqdR9l0J
BCCI’s medical team has been monitoring Jadeja’s condition and was assisted by a local medical team in Cape Town as well. Jadeja was shifted to a local hospital and will be under inspection for 48 hours while the treatment will be administered.
This puts Jadeja’s place in the playing XI in the first Test in doubt. BCCI released statement that decision on his availability for selection for the opening Test against South Africa will be taken on the morning of the match i.e. 5th January 2018.