India opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa which begins from December 26. On the other hand, veteran batter Virat Kohli had to miss the three-day intra-squad game currently underway in Pretoria and he returned home due to a family emergency.
Kohli, who has just traveled for a Test series in South Africa, had to return to India owing to a family emergency. The specifics of the emergency are unknown, but BCCI sources indicate he will be back in Johannesburg in time for the first Test, which begins on December 26 at Centurion.
Kohli arrived in Mumbai around three days ago after gaining permission from team management and the BCCI to forgo the three-day practice game in Pretoria in which Indian players are now participating. Kohli is scheduled to return to the team on Friday (December 22).
Meanwhile, BCCI sources told Cricbuzz, that Ruturaj Gaikwad has not recovered from a finger injury. He has been released by the Indian team management in South Africa. Gaikwad had suffered a finger injury in the second ODI against South Africa and had to miss the third match of the series.
SA v IND 2023-24: Dean Elgar, former South Africa captain, to retire after India Test series
"(He) hasn't fully recovered from the blow he sustained to his ring finger while fielding in the second ODI. He remains under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team," the BCCI stated before the start of the third and final ODI on Thursday.
It has now been revealed that he has little prospect of recovering in time for either of the two Tests, and the team management has chosen to discharge him immediately after talking with the BCCI. He is scheduled to arrive in India on Saturday.
As for the practice game in Pretoria, Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran made the best of the opportunity that came their way while skipper Rohit Sharma, pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur looked impressive.
With the ODI series having just been concluded and the three-day game finishing on Friday, all players of the Indian team will gather in Johannesburg and travel from there to Centurion for the first Test.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
