The Indian cricket team suffered an embarrassing defeat of an innings and 32 runs in the opening Test of the two-match Test series against South Africa in Centurion on December 28, 2023.
After a tough loss, there's a silver lining for Team India, as star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is likely to return for the second and final Test against South Africa, starting on January 3 in Cape Town.
Jadeja couldn't play the Boxing Day Test against South Africa due to an "upper back spasm" at Supersport Park in Centurion. However, on the third day of the first Test, Jadeja joined the warm-up session, showing no discomfort as he ran short distances and did fitness drills.
An encouraging sign was Jadeja bowling during the lunch break on the third day of the first Test in Centurion. Alongside reserve pacer Mukesh Kumar, the senior all-rounder bowled on a practice track for nearly 20 minutes, and was keenly observed by the team's conditioning coach, Rajnikant.
Despite having a two-step run-up, Jadeja consistently hit the spot and displayed some turning skills without looking uneasy.
The positive thing is that he didn't seem gingerly at all during the short bowling session. This hints at a potential comeback for Jadeja in the second Test in Cape Town.
(With PTI Inputs)
